Aliff Sor Dechapan Meets Malaysian PM After Historic Title Win

Aliff Sor Dechapan met with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya this week, days after becoming Malaysia's first ONE World champion.

The strawweight Muay Thai fighter, accompanied by his parents, received the invitation following his fifth-round stoppage of Sam-A Gaiyanghadao at The Inner Circle 23 on July 24, per BJPenn.com. The victory pushed his career record to 63-9 and secured him a $50,000 performance bonus. Anwar had publicly backed Aliff before the bout and used the meeting to celebrate the milestone in person. The two even shadowboxed together inside the office.

First Malaysian ONE Champion Receives National Recognition

"Alhamdulillah, today I had the opportunity to meet YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, in Putrajaya," Aliff wrote after the visit, according to the report. "It was a deeply meaningful honor for me and serves as a source of inspiration to keep fighting and bringing glory to Malaysia's name on the global stage."

Anwar posted his own message calling the achievement proof that Malaysia's youth can compete with the world's best. "This success not only brings glory to Malaysia on the international stage but also demonstrates that our nation's youth possess the capability, discipline, and fighting spirit to compete against the world's best," he wrote. The Prime Minister urged young Malaysians to pursue their goals with the same determination Aliff displayed.

Aliff has already set his sights on a unification fight with reigning ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai. No date has been announced.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Aliff Sor Dechapan meets Malaysia’s prime minister after historic ONE World Title win