BOXER R. Indran was on song at the recent Penang Pesta International Boxing Championships.
The 2017 Sea Games bronze medallist came out top in the heavyweight division, defeating Police’s Mohd Hanafi in the final.
Indran, an army sergeant, had it easy against his police opponent in their fight at Sungai Nibong.
Penang’s Indran, who took up boxing eight years ago, said he had wanted to fight in the recent Philippines Sea Games but could not make it to the national team as he was training for his sergeant promotion.
‘I have decided to reduce my weight to 75kg and fight in the middleweight category and prepare for the 2021 Sea Games,’ he said.
Meanwhile, R. Pavithran was on cloud nine after winning a split decision over the more experienced I. Paramesivam of Melaka in the youth light flyweight category.
Pavithran said he did not expect to win as this was his first attempt at the championships.
The puncher said he had won a few junior bouts in Kelantan, Selangor, Kedah, Perak, Kuala Lumpur but this was his first win in an international competition. Pavithran lost in the third round of the Asian Junior Championship in UAE last year.
The 16-year-old SMK Georgetown pupil revealed that his UPSR results were not good, and after much discussion with his parents, he decided to take up boxing.
‘With my family’s blessings and friends’ support, I intend to go far in the region.
‘My dream is to stand on the podium at the Olympic Games and make my country proud,’ said Pavithran, whose idol is national boxer M. Eswaran.