In a captivating interview, rising light heavyweight contender Malik Zinad opened up about his remarkable journey from Libya to the cusp of boxing stardom. Zinad, currently ranked #6 by the IBF and #13 by the WBA, shared his inspiring story and outlined his ambitious plans to become a world champion.
Growing Up in Libya: Overcoming Adversity
Zinad's path to professional boxing was anything but conventional. Born and raised in Libya, he faced significant obstacles from the very beginning. "The boxing is banned in my country, Libya," Zinad explained. "If you do boxing, you go to prison." Undeterred, he trained in secret with his father, honing his skills in the family basement while navigating the challenges of the nation.
Zinad's determination to succeed in the sport he loved led him to make the difficult decision to leave Libya and pursue his dreams abroad. "This is the best thing my father did for me. He said, 'Go out to Europe." This leap of faith ultimately proved to be a pivotal moment in Zinad's journey.
Establishing Himself on the Global Stage
Arriving in Europe with little more than his passion for boxing, Zinad faced an uphill battle to establish himself in the professional ranks. "I had nobody. I had to prove myself. I worked hard for this time."
Despite the obstacles, Zinad refused to be deterred. He fought tirelessly, traveling across Europe to compete and hone his skills. His perseverance paid off, as he steadily climbed the rankings and caught the attention of the boxing world.
The Riyadh Season Opportunity
Zinad's breakthrough moment came when he was offered the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Riyadh Season, a high-profile event organized by the Saudi Arabian government. "They make everything high level...So everything is different."
Seizing the chance, Zinad delivered a gutsy performance against the then-reigning IBF light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol. While he ultimately fell short, the experience served as a valuable learning opportunity and solidified his status as a rising star in the division.
The Road Ahead: Chasing the World Title
With the Riyadh Season experience under his belt, Zinad is now laser-focused on his next challenge – a return to the Saudi capital in February 2023. "They talk with my manager and stuff, so maybe in February. So it's gonna be huge. They're gonna see something special in the ring with a big team around me and ready to fight."
Zinad's unwavering determination and willingness to take on the toughest challenges have earned him the respect of the boxing community. As he continues his ascent toward a world title shot, he remains humble and grateful for the opportunities that have come his way.
"I have everything. I'm happy, I'm relaxed, my family is good. My people are good. My team is good and happy, my sponsor, everything. Everything I have now, the only thing I don't have is a world title. I will prove it."
With his sights set on the ultimate prize, Malik Zinad's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of one's dreams. As he continues to make waves in the light heavyweight division, the boxing world eagerly awaits his next chapter of success.
Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/-AsGsip7R9I
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