Boxer Farkhan eyes 12th straight win, with 6,000-strong crowd expected

KUALA LUMPUR – Undefeated Malaysian professional boxer Muhamad Farkhan Mohd Haron hopes to bag the World Asia Bridgerweight title at the 2022 Johor International Boxing Championship scheduled on December 25 at Arena Stadium in Johor. 

Farkhan will be going up against Yousof Mohammadiosmanvandi from Türkiye who stands at 186cm.

Farkhan said that he expects a crowd of about 6,000 this time for the tournament, which is back after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the previous edition of the championship, the turnout was only 2000.

This will be Farkhan’s 12th fight in his career, having won all his previous 11 outings.

Farkhan has three titles to his name so far, namely his two light heavyweight titles, and the cruiser weight title once. 

Speaking to the media, the 34-year-old Farkhan said that he hopes to regain his WBC Asia title after the two-year break. 

“I am so excited for the championship because I am competing after a two-year break.

“However, a disadvantage for me in this championship will be the height and reach. Yousof is 6’1” (186cm) whereas I am 5’9” (180cm). 

“Even though he has an advantage, I hope that I can fight well for the title,” he said.

Johor Boxing Association secretary Muhammad Ali Abdul Karim said that there will be a total of five fights on the card and the championship will see participants from France, Morocco, the Philippines, Indonesia, Turkey, Algeria, and Malaysia. 

Ali added that there will be two title fights including Farkhan’s World Asia Bridgerweight clash and the fight for the International Boxing Association Asia Lightweight title.

“This championship has gotten tremendous support from the Johor government and sponsors Woodfire, RX Click Global Solutions, OD Legacy Realty, Lazy Monday, FH Sports Promotions, and Sports Johor Sdn Bhd.

“I really want to express my gratitude to all the sponsors for the support and encouragement,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Malaysian Professional Boxing Federation secretary-general, Vivegan Danapalan, said that this championship will be held according to international standards. 

“On behalf of the Malaysian Professional Boxing Federation, I will ensure every guideline of the competition will be governed with international standards. 

“We hope there will be no fights among the coaches, the participants, or the audiences throughout the event and our team will ensure the safety of all parties,” he said. 

The championship will be broadcast on Astro and live-streamed on YouTube. – The Vibes, December 8, 2022