Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s young muaythai exponent Dazaizy Hafiy Dazree is now ranked as the country’s number one in the male 34kg (11-12 age group) category.
The 11-year-old SK Merpati student from Sandakan first burst onto the scene in 2022 by taking the gold medal in the 27kg category at the 2022 Kuala Lumpur International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) World Championship.
He was crowned National Inter Club Kuala Lumpur champion early this year and was the only Sabahan listed for the National Muaythai Pro Junior and Senior (ranking) Championship held in Putrajaya on Saturday.
He put up a spirited display to edge Mohd Munir from Johor 28-27 in the final to claim the title following early round wins over Perak’s Muhd Haikal Faiz and Muhammad Iffat Hamdani also from Perak with a technical knockout in round two.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more Sabah Muaythai Association president Nazri Abd Razak in a statement released on Sunday said they are extremely pleased with the youngster’s achievement.
“We are very proud of him. Despite weighing only 30kg, he showed his determination to overcome opponents who are three to four kilos heavier than him to claim the number one ranking.
“It was another great achievement from him and I believe he is going to be a future sport icon for Sabah. I hope his success will motivate others to try and achieve the same feats and help to develop the sport in the state further,” he said.
Dazaizy coached by Muhammadin Janudin is the second State athlete to claim the number one status in the country after the success of Sukma 2018 winner Nurul Tasha Amira (45kg) who was ranked top back in 2019.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.