Pro boxer Ridhwan scores his third straight victory
Local boxing star claims third professional win
He promised he would "finish" his opponent within four rounds.
Local professional boxer Ridhwan Ahmad did just that last night, defeating Indonesian Egy Rozten by technical knockout in the co-main event of the Singapore Fighting Championships (SFC) 3 at the Futsing Association Building.
Ridhwan, nicknamed "The Chosen Wan", claimed the victory after Rozten did not get to his feet by the count of 10 before the fourth round started.
It was a meek end for the 27-year-old from Semarang, who started with all guns blazing, swinging wildly at the local favourite.
But Ridhwan, 28, rode those blows and eventually took charge of the fight.
He went on to edge the first three rounds, and, as he rose off his stool to prepare for the fourth, Rozten remained on his.
While Ridhwan said he was slightly miffed he could not deliver a knockout victory for the home crowd, he was satisfied with the win nonetheless.
"We knew it (the win) was going to come eventually," he said after the fight, with nary a mark on his face.
"We got him to fight on our pace, and got him to retire on his stool.
"I didn't expect him to come out brawling, but after a while I adapted. He was going to tire himself out and leave himself open.
"He's a tough guy, but I know if we went to the fourth round, he'd hit the canvas. So it's a wise move on his part (to quit)."
Last night's victory was Ridhwan's third in three fights, since deciding to turn professional last December.
His coach, six-time Philippine national amateur champion Rey Caitom, backed his fighter to develop into a title challenger within a year.
"We were shocked (Rozten) surrendered," said the 30-year-old, who was undefeated in eight professional fights.
"Ridhwan did great. He adjusted easily.
POTENTIAL
"Next year, we hope he will be ready to fight for a championship belt.
"He's got a lot of potential."
Local boxing legend Syed Abdul Kadir, who won a bronze at the 1974 Commonwealth Games and was later named Sportsman of the Year, was delighted for his former protege.
Kadir, 68, first trained Ridhwan as an amateur boxer when the latter was 18.
"I think he'll be great in pro boxing - give him another two or three years," said Kadir.
"Wan's got a good track record in the amateurs and works hard.
"And most importantly, then and now, he never gives up."
SFC 3 organiser and promoter Arvind Lalwani was delighted with the turnout of his event's third edition, which saw a boisterous crowd of over 700 filling last night's venue.
Said the 36-year-old former amateur boxer: "I feel great... The supporters came and all our local fighters did great.
"All my fighters from Juggernaut Fight Club gym (that Lalwani runs) won and we just crowned the first Singaporean woman professional boxing champion (in Nurshahidah Roslie, see facing page).
"The fans can expect the next edition to be the same like tonight - great fights and a great atmosphere.
"It's all from the heart, kampung style."
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