SINGAPORE — Following a disappointing SEA Games in 2015 in which he failed to achieve his goal of winning gold, local boxer Muhammad Ridhwan very nearly hung up his gloves.

Feeling like he was unable to progress any further in the sport, coupled with a lack of time for training because of other commitments, Ridhwan did indeed walk away from boxing for a period of time.

But his passion for the sport eventually prevailed and he decided to make his return to the ring. However, this time, he decided he would continue fighting as a professional rather than an amateur.

Two years on, the 29-year-old’s decision has been vindicated as he now stands on the cusp of becoming the first Singaporean to win a World Boxing Association (WBA) title.

The WBA is one of four major sanctioning bodies in professional boxing and counts the likes of legends Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and George Foreman among its former champions.

Ridhwan’s opportunity to join that illustrious group of WBA title holders will come this Saturday at the fifth edition of the Singapore Fighting Championship’s (SFC) Combat Redefined event which will see him going head to head with Indonesia’s Waldo Sabu for the WBA Asia Featherweight Championship belt.

Despite the high stakes, Ridhwan, who is the head coach and co-founder of local boxing gym Legends Fight Sport, told TODAY that he is feeling calm ahead of his fight, as his focus is not so much on winning the title as putting on a good performance.

“I’m not putting any pressure on myself to win the title belt. Yes, I know it’s important, but I’m more concerned about fighting well on that night and putting on a good show,” said Ridhwan, who trains six times a week for an average of three hours each day.

“Of course, this is a huge step in my boxing career because I’ve always wanted to fight for a WBA title belt, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to do so this year, so I’ll do all I can to ensure that I’m victorious. But I’m calm about this bout as I’ve worked hard to prepare for it, and I’m confident I’ll be able to handle anything my opponent throws at me in the ring.”

Ridhwan said the WBA title shot has vindicated his decision to continue his boxing career.

“Being able to become a WBA title challenger tells me that I’d made the right decision (not to give up boxing), said Ridhwan. “Especially when there are now so many more events happening in the pro-boxing scene in Singapore. I’m glad that I stuck on in the sport because I’m being blessed with various opportunities now.”

While Ridhwan boasts a perfect record of six victories and no losses since turning professional, Sabu is expected to be one of his toughest challenges to date as the Indonesian southpaw is the top-ranked featherweight fighter in his country with 18 fights (12 wins, six losses) under his belt.

Which is why Ridhwan is under no illusions about the size of his task this Saturday.

“I know Sabu’s got skill ... he’s crafty and very tricky in the ring,” said Ridhwan. “There’s a reason why he’s the top fighter in his class in Indonesia. In addition, he’s my first southpaw opponent, so I will need to be careful.

“The key for me is to try and control the pace and range of the fight. I’ll have to avoid any unnecessary hits, but if he comes charging aggressively, I’ll be ready to bring the fight to him.

“However, if he runs and fights defensively, I’ll hunt him down for sure.”

Event: Singapore Fighting Championship (SFC) 5: Combat Redefined

Date: April 8, Saturday (6-11pm)

Location: Singapore Foochow Association

For more information, go to www.singaporefightingchampionships.com