Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s boxing pride, Khairul “King Azim” Hamdain is deep into a rigorous two-month training camp as he prepares to seize the WBC Featherweight Title on May 9.
The highly anticipated bout, scheduled at the Penampang Cultural Hall beginning at 5pm, offers Khairul a career-defining opportunity to spearhead a new era for Malaysian boxing.
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The venue is set to be transformed into a high-octane battleground for Twins Championship 104, an international showcase marking Sabah’s most significant boxing event in decades.
‘King Azim’, known to his legion of supporters for his “iron chin” and high boxing IQ, will face off against Indonesia’s top contender Suryadi Tambunan in an eight-round war.
More than just a tournament, the event is being billed as a calculated pursuit of “Dignity and Pride.”
“The ring is my kingdom, and Penampang is my home,” Khairul declared.
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“Next month isn’t just about a win; it’s about showing that Sabahan boxing belongs on the world stage.”
A product of local grassroots grit, Khairul has evolved from a standout amateur into a formidable professional force.
His style — characterised by explosive counter-punching and lateral movement — has earned him a reputation for leaving opponents “chasing shadows.”
The ‘King Azim’ began his fight camp last month and is scheduled to fly to Kuala Lumpur later this month for a final, two-week intensive training block.
While Khairul leads the charge, the fight card is stacked with “Sabah Padu” icons ready to defend their territory.
Five other Sabahan warriors will also step into the ring, pitting homegrown talent against a ruthless line-up of international challengers.
The undercard features rising prospects from the Malaysian amateur circuit, eager to use this platform to announce their arrival on the global radar.
Organisers describe the “Sabah Showdown” as a litmus test for the nation’s athletes. By introducing diverse fighting styles from across the globe, the event forces local boxers to adapt or fall.
“This is the moment we show the world what Sabah is capable of,” said the event organisers. “We aren’t just hosting a match; we are bringing a war of spirit. When that first bell rings, the history of Malaysian boxing will be rewritten.”
With a sell-out crowd anticipated, fans are encouraged to secure tickets immediately to witness the hottest boxing action of the year.
The event will also be broadcast live via TVS, bringing national coverage to this historic night.
The action begins at 5pm on May 9 at the Penampang Cultural Hall.
