SINGAPORE — When Rafi Majid (picture) picked up the sport of boxing in 2012, his main goal for doing so was simply to lose weight — the prospect of fighting professionally and challenging for boxing titles did not even cross his mind.

But how things have changed in just four years.

Indeed, come Feb 17, Rafi could well become Singapore’s first male professional boxing champion when he steps into the ring at the Universal Boxing Organisation’s (UBO) first-ever event here — The Roar of Singapore — to challenge for the vacant UBO Super Middleweight Asia Pacific title.

Organised by Ringstar Management, a Singapore-based professional boxing management and promotions company, the boxing extravaganza will see Rafi go up against experienced Indonesian fighter Jonatan Simamora, 32, who has fought 57 professional fights and enjoyed 23 wins.

In contrast, Rafi has just three bouts under his belt — he won all — since turning professional earlier this year. It is why the 36-year-old, who trains at the Juggernaut Fight Club (JFC) under coach Arvind Lalwani, revealed that he was initially hesitant about taking up the offer to fight in the title bout.

“This title shot came as a huge surprise to me,” Rafi, who is the owner of The Dive Company, told TODAY. “I’ve always wanted an opportunity like that but I didn’t think it would be offered to me so soon as I felt I still had a long way to go.

“When Arvind asked me if I want to take the title shot, I wasn’t 100 per cent sure I was ready. However, the fact that someone as experienced as Arvind believed in me gave me the confidence to accept this opportunity.”

Despite his protégé’s inexperience compared to his upcoming opponent, Lalwani fully believes that Rafi will have no problem making history and becoming the country’s first male professional boxing champion.

“Rafi has been training for quite some time now and every time he fights, whether it’s in the ring or just during training, he shows his natural raw talent and his ability to pick up new skills,” said Lalwani. “He is ready for a title shot.

“For now, he just needs to continue training hard and to keep having that title in sight. This (fight) will test his boundaries despite his age, but if he keeps up with his positive attitude, there is nothing stopping him from claiming that title.”

Nicknamed “The Ruffian” for his rough-and-tumble fighting style, Rafi is determined to make the most of this title shot, especially with age catching up on him.

“I’m deeply appreciative for this opportunity because I know this is not something offered to just any regular fighter, so I’m ready to prove that I’m worth it,” declared Rafi, whose boxing idol is Muhammad Ali.

“Because of my age, I don’t have many years left in the ring. So, for the amount of time I have left, I want to try and achieve as much as I can, and winning this title is a goal I’m determined to reach.”

Apart from Rafi, two other local boxers will also be in action – Singapore’s first female boxing champion, Nurshahidah Roslie, and Muhamad Ridhwan, who will be competing for the Ringstar-SFC International championship belt.

A total of four UBO titles will be at stake during the event, which will be headlined by Canada’s undefeated light heavyweight fighter Ryan Ford and his UBO Light Heavyweight World title bout against Sam Rapira of New Zealand.

The Light Heavyweight Intercontinental title and the Cruiserweight Asian Pacific title will also be up for grabs during the event.

Ringstar Management founder Scott O’Farrell said: “Not only will we be bringing well-known international boxers to Singapore for The Roar of Singapore, we will also be creating a platform for local fighters to gain recognition and fight in the same ring as some of their heroes.

“As a small nation that punches above its weight, the Lion City is really showing itself to be a hub for fight sports in Asia. Singapore has a huge roar and that’s exactly the fighting spirit that we want for Ringstar Management.”

Event: The Roar of Singapore

Date: Feb 17, Friday

Time: 5pm-11pm

Location: Singapore Foochow Association

For more information and to find out where to purchase tickets, please visit www.ringstarmanagement.com