Next up for fast-rising Ridhwan: the IBO Intercontinental title

SINGAPORE – He created history by becoming Singapore’s first-ever professional boxing world champion when he won the Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) world super featherweight title in May.

And come October 20, local boxer Muhamad Ridhwan will get a chance to add another title to his collection – the International Boxing Organisation’s (IBO) Intercontinental title – at the third edition of ‘The Roar of Singapore’, which will be staged at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The 30-year-old however, will first have to overcome experienced South African boxer Koos Sibiya, whose 34-bout record stands at 20 wins (3 knockouts), 10 defeats and four draws.

Since turning professional in early 2016, Ridhwan, who also holds the World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia Super Featherweight title, remains unbeaten, boasting a record of eight victories, seven by knockouts.

Nicknamed ‘The Chosen Wan’, Ridhwan’s impressive displays in the ring have seen him attract attention from international boxing circles, and he has since signed a two-year deal with local sports management and promotion company Ringstar Management.

As part of the deal, Ringstar, who are the organisers of ‘The Roar of Singapore’, will manage Ridhwan’s boxing career – this includes the scheduling of his fights, as well as helping to arrange overseas training stints for him.

Ridhwan’s bout with Sibiya will be the first since he signed with Ringstar last month. Looking ahead to the bout, the co-owner of the Legends Fight Sport gym along Carpenter Road said: “It should be a great fight. I’ve had a good run since turning pro last year but I’m always learning and am taking it one step at a time.

“The Sibiya fight is the next challenge for me, which I’m definitely relishing. I know I can go a long way in this sport and I have signed on with Ringstar because I believe they can take me to the next level. I’m looking forward to it.”

Sibiya, who has more than 16 years of experience under his belt, has vowed to bring Ridhwan’s unbeaten record to an end.

The 35-year-old, who is ranked 75th in the world in the super featherweight division, said: “Ridhwan doesn’t have the skill to beat me…I n Singapore, I will become the IBO Intercontinental Champion and will end his (Ridhwan’s) unbeaten run. Bring it on.”

CEO and Founder of Ringstar Management Scott O’Farrell believes Ridhwan’s bout against Sibiya will be one of the Singaporean’s toughest in his professional career to date.

“Ridhwan is already a champion boxer and has the potential to go a lot further,” said O’Farrell. “He’s conquered Asia in his division and has now set his sights set on the world.

“It’ll be a big test for him against a more experienced fighter and the current top-ranked super featherweight boxer in Africa.”

Ridhwan’s clash with Sibiya will be the headline bout of an eight-fight card at ‘The Roar of Singapore 3’, which will also include Thailand’s Sirimongkhon Iamthuam taking on Australian Tommy Browne for the IBO Asia-Pacific Super-welterweight title.

For more information and to purchase tickets to the event, visit www.ringstar-boxing.com and www.sistic.com.sg/events/TCW1017