KJ defeats MMA champion Saiful Merican

KLANG – The dream of Hot FM radio announcer Khairy Jamaluddin to step into the boxing ring finally came true when he defeated former world number one Muay Thai athlete Saiful Merican in a friendly match here on Sunday.

Khairy, better known as KJ, expressed his gratitude after securing victory over the 37-year-old mixed martial arts (MMA) star during the Clash of Champion Hot FM event held at ST Rosyam Mart, Jalan Kebun.

“Since I was young, I’ve always loved boxing and grew up watching Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Mike Tyson.

“I’ve always wanted to step into the boxing ring and I never expected to get this opportunity today (Sunday).

“To be able to test my strength against such a respected martial arts figure, Saiful Merican or Saiful ‘The Vampire’ Merican, is truly an honour,” he said.

It is understood that the friendly boxing match between KJ and Saiful had been planned since last year.

Further commenting, KJ said he has known Saiful for a long time and described the opportunity to share the same ring with the national MMA athlete as a very meaningful moment.

“In the first two minutes, he gave me some leeway, but when he punched, he really punched hard,” KJ said jokingly.

KJ also expressed appreciation to everyone involved in making the match a success, including his coach and his son, Jibriel Ali, who served as his corner man in the ring.

Apart from the main bout between KJ and Saiful, more than 300 spectators were also entertained by another boxing match between fellow Bekfes Hot FM announcer AG and Adli Goldenboy, which ended in a draw.

An arm wrestling showdown between announcer Fara Fauzana and singer Elizabeth Tan also drew attention, with Fara ultimately conceding defeat to Elizabeth’s strength.