Nurshahidah crowned Singapore's first female pro boxing champ
History was made last night when Nurshahidah Roslie was crowned Singapore's first woman professional boxing champion at the Singapore Fighting Championships (SFC) 3.
Nicknamed "The Sniper", the 28-year-old claimed the Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) Female Intercontinental super-featherweight title in front of more than 700 spectators at the Singapore Futsing Association, after beating Thailand's Wondergirl Sithsaithong in the second round via a technical knockout.
Speaking to The New Paper after her win, Shahidah said: "I feel great.
"It's my first knockout ever and I feel really good. The title is a bonus as I was focusing more on my performance."
She credited her win to her coach, SFC 3 organiser Arvind Lalwani, and teammates from the Juggernaut Fight Club gym.
"They have a big role to play in my development all this while and I'm very thankful for that," said Shahidah.
"Another factor that kept me going was my faith. I fasted for the last few days and, to be honest, I know I'm going to fall sick soon.
"God has better plans for me and if this is His plan, I'm going ahead with it."
Last night's win was Shahidah's third on the trot since she turned professional in February.
Former national amateur boxer Lalwani, who jumped into the ring at the end of the fight to celebrate with his protege, was over the moon.
"She's only going to going get bigger and better," said the 36-year-old, who runs the Juggernaut Fight Club.
OPPORTUNITIES
"We aim for her to have more fights around South-east Asia and then, the opportunities will come for her.
"I want her to fight maybe two or three more times locally before going for... an international title from one of the bigger boxing organisations.
"Eventually, if an opportunity for a world title appears, I'll take it."
Shahidah's Juggernaut teammate, Rafi "The Ruffian" Majid, also had his glove held up high after winning his light-heavyweight bout against Malaysia's Alex Lim.
"It's always good to have a win but there's a lot more I can take away from this fight," said the 36-year-old, who owns a diving company.
"As for who I'm fighting next, I'll leave it up to Arvind, I've trusted him from the first day I started fighting.
"I still enjoy the fight and I enjoy being in the ring. The adrenalin and satisfaction at the end of a fight is what keeps me going."
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now