SINGAPORE: In response to a 2022 video showing Singaporean boxer Abdul Wafi Idris allegedly involved in a bullying incident, the Singapore Boxing Federation (SBF) issued a statement on the matter.
According to SBF, the incident took place before Wafi joined the national boxing programme and occurred at Junyuan Secondary School.
The video has since sparked a wave of online criticism, as it resurfaced through the Telegram channel SG Shares, leading SBF to confirm the event’s timeline and Wafi’s subsequent actions.
The video, lasting 1 minute and 32 seconds, captures an incident in a school restroom, showing Wafi, in a school uniform, confronting another student.
The video depicts Wafi grabbing the other student and, after a brief struggle, delivering a punch that left the victim staggered against the restroom door.
Wafi subsequently delivered a knee to the head and additional strikes while the student shielded himself on the ground.
In the footage, Wafi can be heard accusing the student of “talking” negatively about his group, following up the assault by forcing an apology from his target on camera.
Video circulating of National boxer seen beating up student in school toilet. He is currently representing Singapore in the U19 World Boxing Championships in Colorado.
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SBF highlights Wafi’s growth and commitment since joining National Boxing Team
The SBF informed MustShare News that they were not involved in handling disciplinary actions related to the 2022 incident, as it took place before Wafi joined the Singapore National Boxing Team.
“However, we understand that Mr Abdul Wafi took responsibility for his actions, underwent counseling with his school, and reached an amicable resolution with the other party involved.”
Despite the incident, SBF stated that Wafi had shown “significant personal growth” since joining the national programme.
A spokesperson from SBF expressed confidence in his development, noting that he has consistently been held to the same “high standards of conduct” as other athletes within the organisation.
“We are confident that Mr Abdul Wafi has grown as an individual, channelling his energy productively through the sport,” the spokesperson told MS News.
SBF expressed confidence in Wafi’s readiness to represent Singapore responsibly and believes it is essential to focus on his current efforts and future potential.
“We believe it is important to focus on the present and future,” added SBF.
Wafi is currently representing Singapore in the U19 World Boxing Championships, a key international event showcasing young boxing talent.
In August 2022, then 15-year-old Wafi also participated in the Sarawak Open Boxing Championship, competing in the featherweight (U-57kg) category and won a gold medal.
SBF praised his potential, highlighting both his performance in competitions and his personal efforts within the national team.
Wafi’s Instagram account has been inactive and inaccessible following the video’s spread online.
Calls mount for SBF sction as netizens urge investigation into alleged bullying incident
The video had sparked heated discussion on Reddit, with some users to call for the SBF to investigate the matter to take action. 
Some Reddit users, however, claimed the video was recorded when the individual at age 14 and before he began boxing, suggesting that the alleged aggressor has already faced consequences.
Education Minister earlier warns against sharing bullying videos, citing risks of emotional harm and rehabilitation challenges
Discussions also highlighted an earlier warning from Education Minister Chan Chun Sing during a parliamentary session on 14 October.
Mr Chan cautioned against recording and sharing bullying incidents online, stating that circulating such videos could exacerbate the emotional distress of those involved and create additional challenges for perpetrators who may need support in order to reform.
During the session, Mr Chan addressed the impact of viral bullying videos, noting that efforts to dox or ostracise perpetrators could lead to further isolation and hinder their rehabilitation.
He emphasised that “as a society, we must be careful not to normalise such behaviours unintentionally,” warning against the potential for encouraging similar acts and viral challenges.
Mr Chan urged the public to “stand together to discourage copycats” and advised against attempts to “out-viral the last bullying video.”
He added that bullying perpetrators often also need help and urged caution in handling incidents that could have lasting psychological effects on all involved.
