Ridhwan fails to land prized IBO boxing title
Muhamad Ridhwan failed in his bid to become the first Singapore boxer to hold an International Boxing Organisation (IBO) world title, after he was beaten by Namibia’s Paulus Ambunda via split decision in their super-bantamweight match at the Roar of Singapore – The Kings of Lion City fight event at Marina Bay Sands on Saturday (29 September).
The 30-year-old, nicknamed The Chosen Wan, suffered the first defeat in his professional career after winning his first 11 bouts. The judges scored 115-113, 112-115, 116-111 in Ambunda’s favour after 12 rounds of fight.
Ambunda was a former IBO and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) champion, and he proved a hurdle too far for Ridhwan, with the Singaporean unable to gain control after suffering an early onslaught from the Namibian.
The IBO is considered the biggest organisation outside the traditional “Big Four” of the WBO, World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Council (WBC).
Results of other main card events at Roar of Singapore – The Kings of Lion City:
Malaysia’s Mirage Khan defeated Thailand’s Natthawut Masamin via knockout in the sixth round to retain the WBC Asia Continental light-heavyweight title.
Malaysia’s Hui Keng Fai defeated Thailand’s Wachirasak Waiyawong via knockout in the seventh round to retain the IBO Oceania welterweight title.
Ghana’s Manyo Plange battled the Philippines’ IBO world bantamweight champion Michael Dasmarinas to a draw in a non-title bout.
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