The ring and a Simunjan boy’s dream

This work is originally published by Cahya Mata Sarawak. DayakDaily has been given permission to share this story on our platforms. 

By Martin Yee, Kenny Ee, and Marlynda Meraw

HE doesn’t devour eggs like Rocky Balboa did, but Sapok Biki has his own secret to building strength. His protein supply comes from a traditional Iban super-strength mix, a unique concoction made from pickled wild boar, roots and vegetables known only to the former headhunter tribe. This remarkable blend fuels the body, providing the energy and resilience needed to face the challenges in and out of the ring.

As a young man from Simunjan, with nothing but a dream and a hero in his heart, Sapok dared to envision himself in the ring like Muhammad Ali, the world heavyweight champion. For him, it was a fairy tale—a distant dream that one day, his fists would echo the power of his idol.

Against the odds, that dream took flight, propelling him from the quiet of his ‘kampung’ (village) to the bright lights of the Commonwealth Games. And in 1998, before the roaring crowds of Kuala Lumpur, he realised what seemed impossible: he struck gold for Malaysia.

It wasn’t just a simple victory, but a milestone in Sarawak as well as Malaysia’s history. Even today, no Malaysian boxer has managed to replicate Sapok’s triumph at the Commonwealth Games—a journey that was nothing short of extraordinary, with every step leading to that glorious moment.

Born in 1974, Sapok’s entry into boxing started after he joined the military at the age of 19, after finishing school at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Balai Ringin. In the army, boxing was more than just a sport; it was a tradition, a battlefield of honour. The facilities, the training, and the constant competition fuelled his growing ambition.

“Boxing is common in the army, and it allowed me to travel and compete in tournaments,” Sapok recalled.

Being in the army may have paved the way for him, but it was the Commonwealth Games Project that launched him into a new realm. His inclusion in the 1998 Commonwealth Project was a turning point, but it was the nine-month training stint in Cuba that became the defining chapter of his preparation.

Cuba, a country synonymous with boxing excellence, offered Sapok the training of a lifetime. There, under the guidance of world-renowned Cuban coaches, Sapok found the breakthrough he needed.

“The Cuban coaches were very dedicated,” he said, reflecting on his time there.

“They don’t seek personal glory; they train for the pride of their nation. That experience gave me the edge.”

Sapok’s exposure to top-tier training methods, combined with sparring against elite competitors, equipped him for the challenges ahead. His participation in international tournaments provided invaluable experience, including the travels he made to Kazakhstan, where some of the world’s finest boxers reside.

“To be a great boxer, you need to travel and fight. That’s how you learn,” Sapok added.

When the Commonwealth Games of 1998 finally arrived, Sapok was ready. His journey culminated in an intense final match against Moses Kinyua of Kenya.  The atmosphere was electric, the crowd loud and proud, willing him on with every punch. Sapok fought with the heart of a lion, defeating his opponent 19-13, sealing his place in history. His win was the fulfilment of a dream born in the idyllic fields of Simunjan, inspired by the legend of Muhammad Ali.

The recognition that followed was equally overwhelming. Upon his return to Simunjan, Sapok was ferried home in a helicopter—a gesture of immense pride from his community.

“I will treasure that moment for the rest of my life,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude. The then Sarawak Chief Minister late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud presented him with a cash reward, honouring his achievement as a national hero.

After his golden victory, Sapok’s boxing career continued. He represented Malaysia in four Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, winning silver in each, falling just short against world-class opponents from Thailand and Indonesia. He also earned a place in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, though he did not progress far in the highly competitive global arena.

Still, for Sapok, winning gold at the Commonwealth Games was his crowning achievement, a moment not just of personal pride, but one celebrated alongside the people of Sarawak.

Sapok’s story doesn’t end with his own triumphs. Now, working at Penrissen Camp in Eight Mile, Kuching, he continues to give back to the sport that shaped his life. In 2021, he established the Sapok Biki Boxing Development Center at his residence near Kota Samarahan, under the Sarawak State Boxing Association (SABA). Through this centre, he nurtures the next generation of fighters, passing down his knowledge and experience.

Among those under his wing is Daeloniel Mcdelon Bong, also known as Kilat Boy, a promising young boxer who is rising in the ranks, carrying forward the legacy of Sarawakian boxing. Sapok’s journey from Simunjan to Commonwealth gold has come full circle, as he now stands as a mentor, guiding others to chase their dreams, just as he once did. –DayakDaily

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