Professional boxing in Malaysia is steadily increasing its presence across the Oriental and Pacific region. We spoke with Vivegan Danapalan, President of the Malaysia Professional Boxing Federation (MPBF), about the current state of professional boxing in the country.
――How is professional boxing administered in Malaysia?
Danapalan: “Under the supervision of the Sports Commissioner, the MPBF is responsible for sanctioning and administering professional boxing. Our main responsibilities include approving bouts, issuing licenses, and overseeing safety and medical standards.”
――What is the current state of professional boxing in Malaysia?
“It is still developing, but there are more events than before, and the overall structure is gradually becoming more established. Professional boxing is also receiving greater exposure through domestic media such as Astro, which has helped increase awareness of the sport. New promoters are also entering the scene, and there is growing momentum toward holding events on a regular basis.”
――How would you describe the current depth of the boxer pool?
“We still do not have a sufficient number of boxers in every weight division, but we are gradually seeing fighters emerge who can compete at the regional level. Our challenges are to increase the number of boxers, provide more opportunities for them to compete, and give them greater experience overseas.”
――What is needed to develop more boxers who can succeed on the international stage?
“They need more experience fighting boxers from other countries. We are also working to develop the rankings and create more opportunities for Malaysian boxers to gain international recognition.”
――Malaysia’s relationship with the OPBF has also become much more concrete. On July 17, Hazman Iskandar Zulkifli Siew won the OPBF Silver Featherweight title, becoming the first Malaysian boxer to win an OPBF title.
“For a Malaysian boxer to win a regional title is extremely significant. It also gives other boxers in the country a clear goal as they aim to compete on the international stage.”
――Then, on July 25, an OPBF Silver Super Lightweight title bout was held in Malaysia, with Arfiqanie bin Ahmad Anshori also capturing the championship. OPBF title bouts are now being held in Malaysia, and Malaysian champions are continuing to emerge.
“Our relationship with the OPBF and other regional organizations is very important. We want Malaysia to become more involved in professional boxing across Asia and, eventually, on the world stage. We also hope to further strengthen our relationship with the OPBF.”
――What kind of professional boxing market would you like to develop in Malaysia?
“We would like Malaysia to become one of the hubs for professional boxing in Southeast Asia. To achieve that, we need to hold events regularly, raise the level of our boxers, and strengthen our connections with other countries.”
――Do you hope to develop closer ties with Japan in the future?
“Of course. We hope to deepen our relationship in many ways, including exchanges between boxers, co-promoted events, and technical cooperation.”
――Finally, what are your hopes for the future of professional boxing in Malaysia?
“We want to further strengthen the foundation of the sport, increase the number of boxers, and create more opportunities for them to compete. We also want to build stronger ties with the Oriental and Pacific region, including the OPBF, as well as with the wider boxing world. Our goal is to create an environment in which Malaysian boxers can succeed on the international stage.”
