After years away from competitive boxing, Muhamad Ridhwan is stepping into the ring again. The Singapore boxer speaks to Everyday People about unfinished business, rediscovering his purpose and why this comeback is ultimately something he needs to do for himself.
Watch the full episode below
When Everyday People SG first sat down with Muhamad Ridhwan in 2017, he was still in the thick of his competitive boxing journey.
Nine years later, much has changed. Ridhwan is now fully focused on his roles as a father, business owner and the Head Coach at Legends Fight Sport, while his competitive career came to an abrupt end during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 26 September 2026, he returns to the ring at Unfinished at Foochow Building — approaching 40 and determined to find out what remains of the fighter he once was.
Here, Ridhwan tells us why he decided to fight again, what has changed since he last competed and what he is really fighting for.
You had already retired from competition. What made you say yes to one more fight?
Ridhwan: One of the main reasons was the opening of Legends Fight Sport in Katong. We figured it would be a good marketing move for me to fight again, so I could train and talk about the new gym.
Secondly, I feel like there is unfinished business. That’s why the event is also called Unfinished.
Years ago, I said I wanted to retire on my own terms, but I didn’t manage to do that because everything stopped abruptly during COVID. So maybe this could be one last good fight before I officially retire. Maybe.
Everyday People: So you’re coming out of retirement to have a retirement fight?
Ridhwan: Yes.
What was the reaction from your friends and family when you told them you were fighting again?
Ridhwan: I didn’t speak to my direct family about it, so I don’t know their reaction. They haven’t said anything about it either, so I don’t know if they know that I’m fighting.
The very few people I’m close to whom I told about the fight were like, “No. Why? Don’t do it.”
But when people say, “Don’t do it,” it gives me more reason to do it.
I understand their concerns and worries, but this is a calculated move. It’s not me being stupid and wanting to prove something, or missing being famous. I don’t need the recognition.
It’s great to have the support. There are plenty of people buying tickets, buying my T-shirts and even designing T-shirts for me, and I appreciate all of that.
But this really feels like a reunion. It feels like we’re all coming back together to have just one last good fight. And it’s time to show the young boys how the old guys do it.
This might be a deep and personal question, but does being a business owner, coach and father fill a gap in a person’s soul if he is a fighter?
Ridhwan: I think so.
Being a father can be lonely sometimes. Being a business owner is a lonely thing to do sometimes — or most times. But the funny thing is, being a fighter can also be quite lonely, although I do have a team.
I think the fact that fighting gives me purpose makes it a little more special. It gives me something to look forward to when I wake up and when I go to sleep.
Everything I do becomes: “Does this help with fighting or not? Does this conversation with this person help with fighting or not? Does this work help with fighting or not?”
So it gives you a certain sense of direction.
Was there a sense of dissatisfaction after your retirement?
Ridhwan: Not really. I’ve been quite happy with my life and with what I’m doing. Coaching is very fulfilling and I enjoy it.
But coaching is a lot more about helping my students or my boxers achieve their goals. It’s always their goals first. It’s not really about me.
So I figured maybe it was time for me to do something for myself, and fighting is one of the best ways I know how to do that.
I miss the feeling of working towards something, fighting for something and having a purpose. It’s been a long while since I’ve felt this alive again.
Everyday People: Nothing quite like the very real possibility of getting punched in the face to make you feel alive.
Ridhwan: Yeah.
Who were you the last time you competed, and who is the Ridhwan stepping into the ring on 26 September?
Ridhwan: The Ridhwan who last fought seven years ago was obviously younger and very eager to prove to people that he could fight and prove what kind of person he was.
But the Ridhwan today doesn’t really care about that anymore. I want to do this mainly for myself — to tell myself that I can do this.
I know it sounds unthinkable. I’m almost 40 and I’m still doing it.
I feel like the Ridhwan now is calmer. More mature, hopefully. I’m here to do things more for myself rather than for anybody else.
Was there any point during your preparation when you thought, “Man, why did I do this?”
Ridhwan: Maybe just once.
I did think, “Why am I doing this?” But the reasons why I chose to do it were stronger than the thought of why I chose to fight in the first place.
I feel like there is more good in this than bad, and that motivates me more.
I’m excited to find out which version of Ridhwan is going to show up on 26 September. When I talk to people about this fight, I can see that they’re worried. They know my history as a boxer, so they’re excited too, but the question is really about which version of me is going to show up.
It’s not about how good or bad my opponent is. Even if he is very, very good on the night, if I show up, I should be able to handle him.
This is really one of those “you versus you” situations.
Leave a Reply