I started watching MMA as I began to spend more time in America. They now see me as their own, too.īoxing has always been my game, but I really love all combat sports. I consider it my work to spread the positive messages of peace from the Quran - which is part of why I fight in America and the UK so much. I spoke my heart, and gained many fans around the world as a result. But I was always a guy who stood against terrorism. A lot of people thought that being a Muslim would stand in my way. You have to remember: I came on the scene right when 9/11 happened. My identity as both British and Pakistani has absolutely shaped my career. They see me as a British-Pakistani, one of their own - and love that I still come back to Pakistan to support boxing. Pakistan treats me like Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines. I am from Bolton, England (which of course means I love the Wanderers to death), but my family is Pakistani. My heritage is so important to me, and has played a huge role in forming my identity as a boxer. And it taught me to divert the rest of my energy into something positive. Boxing taught me to only fight in the ring. I know it’s a violent sport, and most people think taking it up means you’re going to fight more often. And they were really surprised to learn that the reason was boxing. They couldn’t believe how I went from misbehaving all the time to becoming so well-behaved. Through boxing, I could take all of my aggression into the ring - and then leave it there.Īfter a year, my teachers at school were full of praise. As a Muslim, I was taught from the Quran not to harm or hurt anyone. Because I was in the public eye and under media scrutiny from such a young age, I learned how to behave and serve as a role model.īoxing also taught me discipline - how to divert my hyperactive energy into something positive. Boxing kept me from fighting on the streets. I always think about how thankful I am that my dad took me to the gym that day.
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