Syed Abdul Kadir first started boxing at the age of 11 years. His early boxing competitions were at school boxing championships at which his potential was first discovered - an indomitable spirit and determination, coupled with a mighty wallop borne from his natural ambidexterity.

Upon turning 18, Syed was to train with a professional coach He won several medals at the SEAP and Commonwealth Games. Syed also went to the Olympic Games in Munich (1972) but his hopes were dashed after he received a nasty cut on his eyebrow that prematurely ended his run (Syed Abdul Kadir was leading his Cuban opponent on points in the second round when a head clash opened a wound above his right eye, eventually forcing him to concede the tie).

He did however make a sterling comeback two years later when he won Singapore's first ever boxing medal (bronze) at the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand (1972)... a performance that earned him Sportsman of the year for the amazing achievement.

After Syed Abdul Kadir hung-up his gloves in 1976, he began coaching the national boxing team. In 1985, under Syed's coaching guidance, Mohd Mukhlis won the SEA Games gold medal; that same year Tan Leong Kok sealed silver at the Asian Championships.

The title of Coach of the Year 1985 was due recognition to the dedicated boxer who committed himself so determinedly to the sport of boxing in Singapore, both as a championship boxer and then as a dedicated coach.

Today Syed runs his own boxing school, training professionals who hope to emulate his glorious achievements in the ring or who otherwise just want to keep fit. Either way, Syed Kadir still exemplifies the sport of boxing in the Republic.