Local pugilist Cheong Lap Cheong (10 wins-0 losses-0 knock outs) will be fighting for the vacant WBC (World Boxing Council) Far East Super Flyweight belt on Saturday in Xiamen against Korean boxer Han Sol Lee (8-3-0).
Cheong who had been training in Shaanxi and Kunming, with his trainer Cheong Wai (no relation) for the last three months answered some of the Post’s questions on social media this week.
When asked how intense the two training camps had been Cheong said, “I have been training for this fight for about two to three months and the training in Kunming was more intense, because the plateau is about 2,000 metres above sea level”.
Cheong said when asked how he was coping with being away from home for so long, “I chat with my family and friends on the Internet, and [I am] also missing my family and Macau. But I tell myself that this is my job”.
As it has been nine months since his last fight, on August 12, 2023 against the mainland’s Yang Chengcheng at Macao Boxing House Gym which he won, the Post asked Cheonghow he felt about Saturday’s fight. Cheong replied, “It has been nine months since the last fight. This fight is [being] held in another place [Xiamen as opposed to his local gym]. I will compete for the title of “Far East boxing champion”, and if I win this fight, I will be ranked 20 in the world. So I am very much looking forward to it. I will do my best to win”.
When asked what he knew about his opponent Lee, Cheong stated, “My opponent this time has the number one ranking in South Korea. As far as I know, his fighting style is strong and offensive [making him a difficult] opponent. So it is will be quite challenging”.
For those wishing to see Cheong in action on Saturday night the fight will be broadcast on Sports CCTV5, Sina, bilibili and Tik Tok. The event will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Jiagen Sports Gym, Xiamen.
Macau boxer Cheong Lap Cheong looks on during a press conference in Xiamen on March 22 about the upcoming fight.
– Photo provided by Cheong Lap Cheong
