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Ryan (right) with his coach Fred after his bout at the Sri Aman Sports Complex on Friday. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (Feb 6): Sixteen-year-old Ryan Fabiano Maikclay is already dreaming big after clinching a gold medal at the Sarawak Games (Suksar) IV 2026, a victory that has placed him among the boxers being considered for this year’s Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor.
The aspiring boxer from Kuching delivered a composed and tactical performance to defeat Northern Zone’s Riq Roland on points in the final at the Sri Aman Indoor Stadium today.
The three-round bout saw Ryan control the pace and outmanoeuvre his opponent to secure the top podium spot in his category.
His victory is significant, as SUKSAR serves as the main scouting platform for the Sarawak Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) in selecting athletes for Sukma 2026 in Selangor.
Although only 16, Ryan will turn 17 this year, meeting the minimum age requirement to compete at Sukma.
Speaking to The Borneo Post after his win, Ryan said he was inspired by Ukrainian boxing star Vasiliy Lomachenko and had been serious about the sport since 2022.
“My idol is Vasiliy Lomachenko. I started training in 2022, but at first I didn’t join any tournaments, only training. My first tournament was in Singapore in 2024,” he said.
He added that he has set clear goals for his career.
“For Sukma, my target is to win a gold medal. After that, my aim is the SEA Games. I want to represent Malaysia and work hard to become a professional boxer one day,” he said.
Ryan also offered advice to younger athletes hoping to follow in his footsteps.
“Training is very important. Talent is good, but discipline is more important,” he said.
Ryan in action during his bout against Riq at the Sri Aman Sport Complex on Friday. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
Meanwhile, his mentor and former Sarawak boxing head coach Fred Mandagi expressed confidence in the young boxer’s potential.
Popularly known as “Kilat Boy”, Daeloniel is a 27-year-old professional boxer from Sarawak who has made his mark on the national boxing scene.
Mandagi added that he has trained Ryan from a young age and would continue to support him should the boxer decide to pursue a professional career.
“I will assist Ryan in his career if he wants to become a professional boxer one day,” he said.
The Suksar IV 2026 boxing competition at the Sri Aman Indoor Stadium concluded today, with 11 gold medals contested across various weight categories.
With the competition over, selected boxers will now enter an intensive “Third Gear” training phase.
Their next major test will be the Sarawak International Boxing Championship in Miri this May, which will serve as a final warm-up against international opponents ahead of Sukma in August.
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