Syafiq upbeat about winning World Boxing Foundation title
Local boxer Syafiq says he's in great shape to win WBF title
He stepped onto the scales, looked down, then took a deep breath.
A split-second later, local professional boxer Syafiq "The Slasher" Abdul Samad looked up, widened into a broad grin, and delivered a warning to his rivals by moving his finger across his throat.
The 22-year-old had made the weight, and he is ready to go.
Tonight, Syafiq will compete in a Super Four tournament for the World Boxing Foundation Asia Pacific light-heavyweight championship at the Singapore Fighting Championship (SFC) 2 at the Le Danz ballroom on Queen Street.
The other challengers for the vacant title are Malaysians Ridzuan Dahari and Hisyam Sims, and Richard Corminal of the Philippines.
After the SFC 2's weigh-in at Hero's Bar last night, Syafiq told The New Paper: "I feel good, I'm in great shape... I can't wait to go.
"I'm really hungry for the belt. If I could, I would fight for it tonight."
Just how badly does he want that title?
"As bad as I need to breathe," he said, with a grin. "I want to win tomorrow's fight and make history."
Syafiq, who got his nickname after surviving a vicious machete attack eight years ago, is also proficient in Muay Thai, Greco-Roman Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and has spent most of the last six years competing in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights.
He won his only professional boxing bout when he defeated Briton James Goyder with a first-round stoppage in their light-middleweight fight at Marina Bay Sands in November 2012.
The full-time National Serviceman is counting on home support to boost his confidence and rattle his opposition, as he hopes to make it two wins out of two and create history by becoming the first local to win a regional professional boxing title.
Another local boxer who is definitely making history tonight is Nurshahidah Roslie, who will become the first local woman to compete in a professional boxing match.
The 28-year-old has been preparing for her bout against Malaysian Ella Tang since mid-December.
"To be honest, I don't know how I feel," said Nurshahidah.
"It's a mixture of many emotions... Nervousness, excitement, anxiety.
"Obviously, I want to win but, even if the result goes the other way, I want to make sure I put up a good fight, and show people I have talent and skill.
"I want to inspire other local women to pick up boxing too."
SFC 2 organiser Arvind Lalwani, a former boxer who runs Juggernaut Fight Club gym, is expecting a thrilling night.
Said the 35-year-old: "To have pro boxing, mixed martial arts and K1 kickboxing on the same card... it's never been done before here.
"We have great fighters too, so fans can expect an entertaining night. We want to create history."
SFC 2 FIGHTCARD
(Professional fight)
SUPER FOUR TOURNAMENT FOR WBF ASIA PACIFIC LIGHT- HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
- Syafiq “The Slasher” Abdul Samad (Sin) v Mohd Ridzuan Dahari (Mas)
- Richard Corminal (Phi) v Hisyam Sams (Mas)
- Winners to meet in the final
BOXING
- Luke Adams (US, Juggernaut Fight Club) v Jonathan Thoo (Gbr, Team Thoo Boxing)
- Nurshahidah Roslie (Sin, Juggernaut Fight Club) v Ella Tang (Mas, TNT Kickboxing)
MMA
- Rahul K Raju (Ind, Juggernaut Fight Club) v Arvin Chan (Phi, Camp Vallega Muay Thai)
- Tiffany Teo Hui Hoon (Sin, Juggernaut Fight Club) v Nur Athirah Tantiana (Mas, The Borneo Tribal Squad)
K1 KICKBOXING
Will Chope (US, Combat 360) v Jian Kai Chee (Mas, Independent)
- There will also be three amateur MMA fights and four amateur boxing bouts.
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