From reform school to Sukma semi-finalist, rising boxing star Clarkson Evans Tom ready to shine for Sarawak

SIMANGGANG (Aug 19): It took a stint in a Henry Gurney School for Sarawakian boxer Clarkson Evans Tom to discover his passion for the sport.

The 19-year-old boxer from Kota Samarahan credited his time in the reform school for helping him to change his path in life.

“I discovered my true passion when I was placed at the school and, thank goodness, I received guidance from those who know about the sport after they showed me the beauty of the boxing sport,” he told reporters after winning his 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) quarterfinal bout here last night.

Clarkson added he trained more seriously after his release as he was really determined to pursue his dream of becoming a boxer.

Competing in the men’s minimum weight 45kg to 48kg category against Penang’s Muhamad Mukhriz Khan, Clarkson won by an impressive 5-0, scoring all 10s from the judges in the three rounds, except for a nine from one judge in the first round.

He revealed the win was even sweeter because he had lost to Mukhriz in their two previous matchups.

“I knew I was going to have a tough fight against Mukhriz as we’ve fought before. I was however very determined not to lose a third time to him.

“Besides, there is no better place for me other than my home state of Sarawak to score the victory against him,” he said.

Clarkson added he looks up to Sarawakian professional boxer Daeloniel Mcdelon Bong.

“Kilat Boy is someone I see as a role model and I have nothing but respect for the things he does in the ring so far,” he said.

Hassan Azman (Kelantan), Thanasekaran Rajendran (Kedah), and Aelfred Eter Tohiron (Sabah) have also qualified for the men’s minimum weight 45kg to 48kg category semifinals.

Sukma XXI boxing matches are being held at the Simanggang Indoor Stadium.