Despite already achieving his dream of winning a SEA Games gold medal, Fuad Redzuan insisted his amateur boxing career is far from over.
The 26-year-old won Malaysia's first gold medal in boxing since 2009 at the recently concluded 2017 SEA Games, ending his personal gold medal drought at the same time.
"I am happy and touched because I waited for eight years to win a gold medal," said the light flyweight (49kg) boxer, whose previous best SEA Games achievement was a bronze medal finish at Naypyidaw 2013.
"I sacrificed a lot of family time and spent very little time with my child, who was born last year, to focus on training and tournaments prior to the SEA Games, so I am glad it paid off.
"The victory was even sweeter because I did it in Malaysia and it was against [Thani Narinram] from Thailand, which we know is among the best boxing countries."
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When quizzed about what's next for him, Fuad said the professional ring is not on his mind yet.
"I have not given [professional boxing] too much thought because I still want to focus on my amateur career," he added.
"I might consider it if I receive an invitation in the future, but for now I will focus on defending my gold medal at the next SEA Games and doing well at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games next year."
Seng Foo Lee
Tue Sep 19 2017
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