Audreylaura owes martial arts enlightenment to Ann and AJ

For Malaysian rising star Audreylaura “Ice Comet” Boniface, there is no better martial arts home than Sabah’s Borneo Tribal Squad.

The 29-year-old mixed martial artist knows her professional career would have taken a very different path had she not been under the guidance of Ann Osman and AJ Lias Mansor at the gym, two of Malaysia’s revered martial arts pioneers.

“They’ve been my heroes since day one,” Boniface confessed.

“Ann and AJ have shared with me everything there is to know about the sport from advice and skills. Whether its martial arts related, or life-related and not only on how to improve and be a good martial arts athlete but to be a better individual every day.”

In short, Boniface described the two as close family members.

“They are not only my coaches and my seniors, but a brother and sister to me,” she stated.

Boniface is determined to make her mentors proud as she is slated to duke it out with Myanmar’s Bozhena Antoniyar at ONE: REIGN OF VALOR, which takes place at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium this Friday, 8 March.

“The two of them are my role models and have inspired a lot of people to push beyond their limits,” she said.

I’m grateful for the path that they’ve created, and I’m determined to follow through and explore the journey even more.

“MMA is a tough sport, and only the brave hearted can take the challenge. I want to show the world that a Malaysian fighter from a rural state like Sabah can be the best of the best.”

Interestingly, her budding stint as a cage competitor has already inspired a few Malaysians to strap on four-ounce gloves due to her incredible ability to shoulder two professions at the same time--both as a doctor and an athlete.

“There are a few Malaysians who had come up to me and asked how I balanced my responsibilities. It is possible simply because my passion as an athlete is equally the same as being a doctor,” she stressed.

“I just want people to know that they should make the impossible possible. All you have to do is be bold, be very bold.

“Don’t let your doubts and fears limit you from being the best version of yourself. Unleash your potential.”

She will certainly be hoping to inspire more Malaysians as she sets her sights on a scintillating victory over Bozhena Antoniyar at ONE: REIGN OF VALOR.