Saudi boxer Ziyad Almaayouf aims to blaze the trail for emerging Arab talent

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct 22, (Agencies): Ziyad Almaayouf is a name-making wave in the world of professional boxing. With a growing list of achievements, Ziyad has been consistently shattering records and breaking barriers.

In August 2022, he etched his name in history as the first Saudi boxer to secure a professional victory. This remarkable feat was accomplished during the Joshua v Usyk event in Jeddah, where Ziyad faced off against Mexican fighter Jose Alfredo Alatorre.

But his journey was far from over. Ziyad went on to achieve another groundbreaking moment, becoming the first Saudi fighter to compete at London’s prestigious O2 Arena. This was part of the Joshua v Franklin Jr. card, where he triumphed over Georgi Velichkov from Bulgaria after four intense rounds.

Despite his young age of just 23, Ziyad Almaayouf has already marked his presence in the history of boxing in the region. Hailing from a Saudi household with eight siblings, Ziyad’s upbringing instilled in him the significance of family values. In his home, a fundamental rule is that no one eats dinner alone; they share their experiences together.

However, the world of boxing introduced Ziyad to unique mental challenges. The solitary nature of the sport and the isolation during extended training camps abroad took a personal toll on him.

Ziyad made a pivotal decision at the age of 19 when he moved to the United States. This move was akin to starting his boxing journey from scratch. The level of boxing knowledge, technical skills, and access to equipment was dramatically different from what he had experienced in the Arab world. Although he began his training at the age of 11, he had never set eyes on a boxing ring until he turned 16. His equipment was basic, even lacking a proper heavy bag.

In pursuit of his passion, Ziyad now trains in California under the guidance of renowned boxer and trainer, James Walter “Buddy” McGirt. The partnership appears to have been destined, as Ziyad had admired Buddy McGirt’s techniques long before they crossed paths.

Ziyad Almaayouf is well aware of the challenges he has faced in comparison to other fighters, and he acknowledges the significance of hard work. He recognizes the role that Saudi’s involvement and the support from the Ministry of Sports, HRH Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, and Prince Khaled Al-Saud played in boosting his career. However, he emphasizes that his achievements are the result of relentless dedication. He underwent numerous challenges, including having limited access to equipment and enduring criticism and scrutiny from a global audience. Ziyad’s path is not just about realizing his own dreams but also paving the way for other Saudi and Arab boxers to achieve their aspirations more smoothly.

Ziyad is well aware that the pressure he faces differs from that of other fighters. He has been thrust into the limelight on major boxing cards right from the start of his career. This privilege comes with its own set of pressures, but Ziyad is determined to handle them while maintaining his performance as a promising young prospect in the boxing world.

Looking ahead, Ziyad Almaayouf sees a bright future with international exposure. He acknowledges the bigger plan outlined by the Ministry of Sports, HRH Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, and Prince Khaled. The aim is to gain an international audience and compete in the United States, contributing to changing perceptions of Saudi Arabia and fostering unity between the Western and Arab worlds. Ziyad expects to return to the ring in the US by December.

In response to skeptics who may label him as a “silver spoon” boxer, Ziyad Almaayouf believes that the only way to respond is through his performances in the ring. He sees his role as not just an athlete for Saudi Arabia but also a spokesperson for the nation and Vision 2030, making his journey in boxing a larger-than-life story.

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