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Kikat Boy (third right) with from left coach and cutman Jeremy Aaron Leo, manager Andrew Stephen Liew, coach and cutman Abang Muhamad Zakri, co-manager Mohammad Awet Luqman Chin, and crewmember Ahmad Danial.
KUCHING (Dec 11): Daeloniel McDelon Bong, better known as Kilat Boy, has ended his 2025 season on a triumphant high.
This follows his success in capturing the prestigious IBA Intercontinental Super Bantamweight title — a milestone he had been chasing since the start of the year.
“I’m very happy and proud of myself,” the national boxing star said when met at Kuching International Airport on Wednesday evening.
His victory came after a demanding season featuring five bouts, including a warm-up fight at the Twins Championship 103 and several earlier fights to boost his international ranking.
These efforts followed his breakthrough in August, when he clinched the WBC Asia Continental title, another major step in his rising career.
Despite a tight three-week window between the Twins Championship and the IBA showdown, Kilat Boy maintained peak form through a disciplined training camp.
“We went straight back to the camp after Twins. It was all about consistency and staying ready,” he said.
With 2025 now wrapped up, Daeloniel has already set his sights on an even bigger 2026.
Among his priorities is the establishment of the KilatBoy Gym and Academy, a new project he plans to launch with his CSK Team early next year.
The academy will serve as both a training base and a platform to nurture young talents.
Inside the ring, Kilat Boy is preparing for higher-level competitions, including potential appearances at the World Championship and WBC Gold events.
“We believe there will be more big fights in 2026. We already have plans for that,” he said.
For now, the 55kg fighter is focusing on rest, recovery, and a return to fundamentals at his home training camp.
He also intends to continue community work through corporate social responsibility programmes and collaborations with non-governmental organisations, including activities with orphans.
Kilat Boy’s next fight is expected to take place after Hari Raya, depending on the schedule set by KB Management.
Currently ranked No. 1 in Malaysia, No. 8 in Asia, and 150 in the world, Daeloniel expects his standing to rise once the new IBA result is updated in BoxRec.
“God willing, the ranking will go up after this,” he said.
English (US) ·