By Cormac O’Donell
Dubai is set to witness a unique boxing event on July 6th as social media star Abdu Rozik makes his fighting debut at “Social Knockout 3” which will take place in the Coca-Cola Arena. He takes on fellow social media star Erali Boyqobilov for the commemorative WBC Belt.
Known for his endearing personality and inspirational journey, Abdu has captured the hearts of millions across the world. Yet, it is the spirit of the UAE which has captured his. “Three years ago, I came to the UAE. The people here are very nice, very welcoming and the country is very lovely. The UAE is my second home now,” Abdu shares, reflecting on his time in the Emirates.
Abdu’s love for boxing began in his homeland of Tajikistan and has flourished in recent years. “Boxing is good for your health; it will make your body good, and it will make you more young,” he says. The sport has not only improved his overall health but has quite literally made him grow physically. “I used to be 97 cm. Now, I am 114 or 115 cm,” he reveals, attributing this miraculous growth to his rigorous training and diet.
A proud WBC ambassador, Abdu Rozik demonstrates the ideals of the organisation; safety, integrity and fairness – reflected in the Green and Gold belt he carries with him all over the world. He comments on the special place he has in his heart for the World Boxing Council: “I’m so happy to be a WBC ambassador. The WBC was the first company that told me, ‘Come work with us, be our ambassador.’ They saw my talent and believed in me. Thank you to my brother Mauricio Sulaiman.”
Faith, belief and effort are cornerstones of the WBC philosophy – and are all values that Abdu Rozik lives by. “First thing you do in your life – you have to believe in yourself. You have to believe you will do this. Believe in your mind that you can do it and you will do it. Second thing – don’t forget your praying. Third thing – do hard work.”
With a growing business acumen, such as his new restaurant “Habibi”, and social media duties, Abdu Rozik knows how to keep busy. Yet, Abdu Rozik has a tunnel vision when it comes to his boxing goals. “We have a team, and now my focus is just for boxing – nothing else,” he states.
Despite his popularity, Abdu is determined to be recognized for his boxing skills in addition to his social media fame. “I want to show the world I’m a real man,” he asserts, before adding a resolute prediction for the result; “knockout, knockout, knockout!”
This determination is evident in his daily routine and the intense training he undergoes with his coach, Anthony “Coach Chill” Wilson. “He adapts so well to what I train. He has a natural ability that is rare,” Coach Chill praises. “The people need to come out here and see this young man because he will display some amazing boxing talent.”
Coach Chill also noted Abdu Rozik’s perseverance, commenting that “What really surprised me about his progress is his ability to grasp what I tell him. If he don’t get it right at first – he’ll practice it and he’ll work on it.”
One of Abdu Rozik’s most endearing qualities is his ability to uplift those around him. Whether working on combinations or winding down in an ice-bath after his training – Adu Rozik’s laughter constantly echoes throughout the gym. Coach Chill highlighted this infectious energy: “His imagination is crazy, man. He just brings inspiration to the gym and everywhere he goes. He’s an amazing character.”
Abdu Rozik’s fight on July 6th is more than just a boxing match. As he steps into the ring, he carries with him the hopes of many who see in him a beacon of hope and resilience. The UAE has given him a second home, and now he aims to give back by becoming a hero both inside and outside the ring.
Social Knockout 3 takes place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE on July 06th
Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.coca-cola-arena.com/sports/662/social-knockout-3-with-special-guest-stefflon-don
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