Sheikh Fahad aims to create history in professional boxing ring

It takes a certain type of individual to pursue a career as a boxer. It is a life of dedication, blood and sweat, where one punch can end a fight, or even a career.

In most cases boxers are from a working class background and are fighting for a better life. You certainly wouldn’t associate the sport with attracting royalty.

Yet one member of Qatar’s ruling family has decided to pursue a career in the ring. Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani fought more than 40 times as an amateur and is now beginning his journey in the paid ranks.

But how did a Qatari royal end up dreaming of donning the gloves and becoming his country’s first professional fighter?

“I got into boxing because of my mother, actually,” Sheikh Fahad told 7DAYS.

“She used to talk about the sport, and about Muhammad Ali and all the great champions. She encouraged me to get into the sport so I started doing martial arts when I was 12 and then switched to boxing at 16.

“She won’t come to my fights but she prays for me and that’s really important as it gives me confidence.

“To be honest I didn’t think of becoming professional. I just wanted to make friends as I was kind of a loner as a child so boxing helped me gain confidence and make friends.”

After moving to London to study, Sheikh Fahad began to take the sport more seriously. He represented the Qatari national team in amateur championships but quickly decided that he wanted to prove himself in the pro game.

The 28-year-old continued to train in Doha with his amateur coach Franck Bohec but realised quickly that he needed to test himself with competitive sparring.

Linking up with famed Cuban coach Ismael Antonio Salas, Sheikh Fahad now spends much of his time in the fighting capital of Las Vegas where he regularly spars with the No. 1 lightweight in the world – Jorge Linares.

“I love Doha but to reach my best level I’ve to take myself out of that comfort zone and challenge myself,” explains the super-lightweight.

“I had to test my ability and to be able to train alongside Jorge almost everyday is amazing. But it’s not just Jorge, I also train with the IBF lightweight champion Rances Barthelemy which is very inspiring.”

Since joining forces with Salas, Sheikh Fahad has made his professional debut, travelling to Romania and gaining a points victory. Now comes an even bigger challenge when he appears on the undercard of David Haye’s clash with Arnold Gjergjaj at the 02 Arena in London this Saturday.

“I always dreamed of being showcased in London as it’s a city that’s close to my heart and has a rich heritage of boxing,” said Sheikh Fahad.

“It’s a great chance to show I can do and it’s great to be on the same card as David — who, in my opinion, is one of the greatest British boxers of all time.”

Fighting in front of 20,000 fans will certainly bring extra pressure, but Sheikh Fahad is used to dealing with a weight of expectation.

As the only professional Qatari boxer he is flying the flag for the country. But he has learned to deal with the added pressure and hopes to blaze a trail for fighters from the Middle East.

“I use the pressure as motivation to get the very best out of myself,” added Sheikh Fahad.

“It’s a really tough sport and you’ve to respect it. I’ve to work really hard as I’m somewhat of a pioneer and I hope that I can pave a way for other fighters from the Middle East.

“There’s so much talent in the Arab world, but there’s an amateur mentality and a lack of structure which makes it difficult to turn professional. But hopefully I can be a success. I just have to sweat more to bleed less,” he signed off.

Courtesy: 7days.ae