WITH bodyweight being a major factor in the sport, the Malaysia Amateur Boxing Federation (MABF) have no choice but to closely monitor their athletes during the Movement Control Order (MCO).
MABF deputy president Iruan Zulkifli said the national body cannot afford to have their athletes return post-MCO being out of shape.
“Our boxers have been given a training plan by national coach Azmi Yunus. It is important that they follow this plan as we do not want our boxers to be overweight when they return to training,” said Iruan yesterday.
“Like any other combat sport, maintaining your weight is very important in boxing. This is because it is not easy to lose a large amount of weight in a short period and meet the weight requirements of each class.
“The National Sports Council (NSC) are also monitoring our boxers. We are required to send the training videos of our athletes, who are maintaining their fitness indoors, weekly to them.”
Iruan disclosed that former Sea Games champion Fuad Redzuan is taking time off to focus on his career in the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM).
“Fuad is currently undergoing a six-month training course with TLDM, which is necessary for promotion,” Zulkifli added.
“This is something that he has been postponing for some time but it could not be put off any longer.
“Fuad is approaching 30, and his career (in the Navy) is something that he also has to think about.”
The Negri Sembilan-born boxer was a gold medallist in the men’s Under-49kg class at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games but settled for bronze at the Philippines edition in December.