The Ring, Author at The Ring Boxing Community Singapore

July 22, 2019March 17, 2021

The Art of Eight Limbs

Most of us know that Muay Thai is a combat sport that utilises the whole body as a weapon and defense – but why exactly is it coined the “Art of Eight Limbs”? Why do some Muay Thai fighters wear a headdress or an armlet during fights? Here are some fun facts about Muay Thai you might find interesting!

1. ART OF EIGHT LIMBS

In Muay Thai, fighters utilise the combined use of their fists, elbows, shins, and knees – this is how Muay Thai earned its title as the “Art of Eight Limbs”. The “eight limbs” actually refer to using moves like the power punches, kicks, elbow strikes, and knee strikes in those exhilarating Muay Thai matches you can catch ever so often at The Ring. It’s as if one had the power of eight limbs with these Muay Thai techniques and moves!

2. MUAY THAI IN MOVIES

When we talk about martial arts movies, boxing movies like Rocky or Million Dollar Baby pop up into our minds. Did you know, that there are some award-winning films that feature Muay Thai too?

One such movie series was Tony Jaa’s Ong-Bak. Ong-Bak was first released in 2003 in Thailand at the 2003 Bangkok International Film Festival, and subsequently gained international recognition. The movie introduced the world to the arts of Muay Thai. Tony Jaa himself acted in the film as the lead role, with him performing all the Muay Thai moves in the movie himself. He had been practising Muay Thai since the tender age of 10, and knew the martial art well to perform them confidently on-screen.

3. OTHER KICKBOXING VARIATIONS

Did you know that other countries have their own version of “Muay Thai”? There’s Lethwei, a full boxing contact sport originating from Myanmar, which is known as the “Art of Nine Limbs” because headbutting is encouraged in this variation of the practice. Pradal Serey is another unarmed combat sport that originated from Cambodia. Elbow strikes tend to be the most utilised amongst the fighters in this variation of the sport. There are many other combat sports that adopt similar techniques and stances to Muay Thai, mostly in the Southeast Asia region.

4. WAI KHRU RAM MUAY

Before a Muay Thai bout, competitors traditionally perform a ritual known as the “Wai Khru Ram Muay”. This is some sort of a greeting, and used for giving thanks, and is a display of respect. Fighters individualise their “Wai Khru Ram Muay” as they give respects to their mentors and everyone who trained and helped them to be the strong fighters they are today. These humbling displays of respect are magnificent sights and one should experience it to have the full experience of Muay Thai.

5. MUAY THAI SUPERSTITIONSIt is not uncommon to see Muay Thai fighters bearing special tattoos in professional Thai inscription. These unique and traditional tattoos are meant to ward off any bad luck from their bout in the ring, to prevent injuries. They believe that with these tattoos, they increase their luck and fortune as well.

Fighters sometimes also don a headdress (also known as the Mongkong), or an armlet, in which they wrap ancestors’ bones – they hope to transcend the good spirit of their ancestors into the ring and bring them good luck.

Now that you know a little bit more about this intriguing sport, it’s time to pick up your wraps & gloves and join us in the amazing world of Muay Thai in Singapore at The Ring: Your Boxing Gym Singapore!

July 9, 2019December 2, 2019

Nurture Values, Build Confidence in your Little Ones

Deciding on what sport to start your little ones on? Boxing and Muay Thai are not just for adults – they are beneficial for children too! It is always great for kids to start a new hobby, and we promise you that the fun-filled and exciting classes will get them hooked on the sport.

Here are some benefits of the sports for your little ones.

1. BUILDING CONFIDENCE

Physical activities offer a tangible result that can motivate your kids – hard work does pay off! Through our classes, your little ones can be motivated and uplifted, a great way to boost their self-confidence. They are often stronger both mentally and physically after each session, as our classes require equal amounts of physical strength and mental resilience. There is nothing wrong with a little healthy competition among the children, and Boxing and Muay Thai classes provide a safe and controlled environment for your child’s competitiveness. Learning how to properly protect oneself is always a great moral and confidence boost.

2. GETTING FIT

Finding it hard to keep up with the energy levels of your children? Attending fitness classes like Boxing or Muay Thai can provide your little ones with a safe outlet to release their bursts of energy. In an age where technology is a major source of distraction, an enjoyable physical activity can encourage many to put away their smartphones. Our coaches at The Ring understand the importance of captivating the interests of your children, which is why every class promises a fun-filled programme to get your kid hooked on the sport.

The benefits of martial arts include building muscles, increasing flexibility and strengthening and toning – crucial during the early developmental years of your child. They are a fantastic addition to the physical education classes in school, and organised in a fun and safe environment, your child will definitely be encouraged to stay healthy and lean. Moreover, many kids are becoming victims to poor posture as a result of countless hours spent in front of the screen. With the emphasis on good body posture and balance, Boxing and Muay Thai sessions can help improve your little one’s overall wellbeing!

3. NURTURING VALUES

Many values are inculcated through Boxing and Muay Thai, such as respect for coaches and peers. Especially in martial arts, discipline and responsibility are often key principles. Children are encouraged to become responsible individuals for their own safety and actions. During classes, they are encouraged to take charge of their own fitness gear, and are expected to follow instructions from the coaches. This improves the focus and concentration of your little ones, who will often have to work with the other kids to achieve a common goal. For the young ones who are hesitant to come out of their shell, Boxing and Muay Thai classes are great in encouraging social interaction as it usually features partner drills and team activities.

Guaranteeing a fun and exciting session each class, The Ring offers Junior Classes for your little ones four times a week! They will be exposed to valuable life lessons and skills that can ultimately impact their growths as individuals in the future.

July 7, 2019March 17, 2021

Why Women Should Take Up Boxing

Boxing has always been thought of as more of a mens’ sport – women have always been in the background. It’s time to change that today. Boxing can benefit women in so many different ways – not only your body benefits from this high-intensity exercise, but your mental wellbeing as well. Ladies, here are some reasons why you should pick up your boxing gloves today!

1. SELF-CARE

You are responsible for yourself in the ring – just you, yourself, and your boxing gloves. The punches and hits are yours to bear – no one else’s. Boxing will train your reflexes and response time – you’ll be more alert of everything around you. Through boxing, you’ll develop a sense of self-care that’s unparalleled to any other activity or sport. You’ll look out for yourself more, and in essence, care for yourself more than ever.

2. ENTIRE BODY WORKOUT

Boxing gives you an entire body workout. It works out your arms, shoulders, chest, abdominals, back, and legs – all in just one session. Besides, boxing is definitely far more fun and exhilarating as compared to just lifting weights at the gym or going for a run. You’ll get your fun with exciting boxing combinations whilst getting your workout in – it’s a win-win situation for you ladies.

3. FAT BURNER

Ladies, we hear you – we all know you want that lean and curvy body you see in the magazines. Well, boxing can do just that for you, and more. Boxing is a great high-intensity sport that burns loads of calories and fat so you can slim down fast and get that body you’ve always been talking about. Plus, boxing can help you with toning so you can get a slim and toned body in no time.

4. STRESS RELIEVER

Besides giving you that summer body you’ve always wanted, boxing can train your mind too. With every punch you throw, you can relieve all that stress from your life – be it from work, school, relationships, or any other problems you face. You’ll be able to walk out of class with a clearer mind. You’ll be able to focus on what truly matters, and prioritise your tasks. Whoever said boxing was just about working out physically? It relieves any pent-up stress to benefit your mind too.

5. IT’S COOL!

Come on, we have to admit it – girls who can box are totally awesome! You’ll be the talk of the town. Ladies, empower yourself with the art of boxing. Through boxing, you’ll feel more capable than ever. You will be able to show off some of your cool punches, jabs, and boxing combinations to score you some brownie points on the cool meter. Boxing turns you into a super confident lady, and confidence is definitely the new sexy.

Always wanted to take up boxing? Stop hesitating – pick your gloves up today and join our classes at The Ring that are open to all levels. Ladies, good news for you. We do have a ladies-only Femme Fatale class as well. See you at The Ring!

Find Boxing Classes for Ladies Singapore at The Ring today: Your Boxing Gym in Singapore!

June 10, 2019March 17, 2021

Debunking Some Of The Most Common Myths About Boxing

If you have been thinking about switching up your exercise routine, why not try boxing? Before you begin your journey, it is important to correct some of the common misconceptions about the sport.

1) BOXING IS A VIOLENT SPORT

Friendly Fight Friday at The Ring

The stigma attached to boxing being a violent and aggressive sport may be common, but there is definitely more that exists in the sweet science of boxing. It is not all about inflicting the most damage to your opponent, but also a lot about discipline, strategy and technique. As with every contact sport, boxing has its risks, but practiced under a safe and professional environment, the likelihood of injuries in boxing classes is ultimately equal to any other sport – including pilates or yoga! Boxing classes at The Ring are not designed to promote violence, but rather to prove how a contact sport like boxing can be a fantastic alternative to keep fit and stay active. And even though many of our coaches have professional fights to their name, they don’t bite. As part of our efforts in building boxing as a community sport, we constantly organise events such as Friendly Fight Fridays and weekly sparring sessions to prove that boxing is for everyone.

2) ONLY GUYS DO BOXING

Femme Fatale Classes at The Ring

It is almost impossible to ignore the growing popularity of combat sports in the recent years. With the influence of social media, the association that boxing is a male dominated sport has dwindled over time thanks to female celebrities and influencers constantly sharing about how combat sports like boxing has been beneficial to their overall fitness regime. It is not just about power or strength; boxing classes are fun and stimulating for your physical and mental health. The Ring has Femme Fatale classes catered specifically for women, so if you ever feel intimidated or apprehensive to try out boxing, those classes are a great starting point to your journey in boxing.

3) THE HEAVIER YOU ARE, THE STRONGER YOU ARE

The Ring’s coach, Hamzah

Whether you are having a friendly sparring session or just participating in partner drills in class, do not feel intimated if your partner is larger in size than you. Boxing is not a bulking sport, but relies on the ability to effectively channel your strength to maximise your power. Having a muscular physique might be important in sports like weightlifting, but most professional fighters in boxing are lean. Do not be deceived by their size, because their punches pack power! Take The Ring’s coach Hamzah for example. The toned and charismatic boxer has mastered the art of inflicting maximum damage with his punches. Did you know that having an overly muscular physique is not beneficial for combat sports like boxing because they can actually slow down your movements? So the next time you train, do not focus on size, but rather the technique.

4) BOXING ONLY TONES YOUR ARMS AND NOT THE REST OF YOUR BODY

Boxing as a Full Body Workout

Having muscular arms is not the most important when it comes to boxing, but rather, it is more important to have the ability to transfer the maximum power from your core and legs into your punches. During boxing classes, you are not only expected to practice your punches. There is a lot of focus on your core, shoulders and legs working together to deliver the hardest hit. Foot work, core conditioning and strength training are designed to develop cardiovascular strength, so be rest assured that you are gaining a full body workout during each boxing session.

IF YOU ARE KEEN ON EMBARKING ON A LIFE-CHANGING FITNESS JOURNEY, SIGN UP FOR A FREE TRIAL HERE AT THE RING!

Find Boxing Classes in Singapore at your Boxing Gym in Singapore: The Ring!

May 27, 2019March 17, 2021

Muay Thai – One of the Most Popular Sport in Town!

Forget the days when you had to drag yourself to the gym after work everyday, getting overwhelmed by the complicated machines in the gym and panting as you power through on the treadmill. Muay Thai is now the trendy hot sport amongst many, who prefer breaking a sweat through the art of the eight limbs, and a sport you should definitely try (if you have yet to jump on the bandwagon)!

From Ryan Gosling to Demi Lovato, more celebrities are switching to working out through combat sports, particularly Muay Thai! Once associated with gang culture and street violence, the stigma attached to this combat sport has greatly reduced, thanks to the growing popularity amongst celebrities and influencers taking up the sport! Whether you’re intending to shed some pounds or look for a new workout routine, Muay Thai is probably one of the most effective workouts for your mind and body.

Muay Thai class at The Ring

Combining the use of your hands, feet, elbows and knees, Muay Thai tests your mental and physical endurance in order to provide you with the most rewarding workout. It engages almost every single muscle group in your body, and unlike running or lifting weights, you’re physically exercising your body in its entirety to receive the maximum pay-off when it comes to working out.

The integration of cardio, strength and endurance in Muay Thai is what draws many to the sport. Be prepared to work your core, arms and legs during each session! While exercises like running are beneficial to your physical well-being, a combat sport like Muay Thai requires immense mental concentration! During sparring sessions, you are expected to never let your guard down, but instead always try to anticipate your opponent’s next move.

A familiar face at The Ring, Operations Manager Felicia has been an avid fan of Muay Thai for over many years, and has even gone to Phuket and Bali for training sessions.

“I find that I often don’t have the time or motivation to workout in the gym, which is why I find Muay Thai such a tempting alternative. Classes usually run just slightly over an hour, and I am able to compact my entire day’s workout then. It’s fun, energetic and most importantly, effective!”

— FELICIA, OPERATIONS MANAGER AT THE RING

Most importantly, Muay Thai classes are almost never boring or repetitive because the coaches here at The Ring ensure a fun-filled intense training session fit for all! From shadow work to partner drills, you’ll definitely find yourself addicted to attending Muay Thai classes.

IF YOU’RE CONVINCED ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF THE SPORT, JOIN ONE OF OUR MANY MUAY THAI CLASSES TO FIND OUT WHY IT IS FAST BECOMING A FAVOURITE OPTION AMONGST MANY!

Find Muay Thai in Singapore at the Ring: Your Boxing Gym in Singapore!

May 17, 2019December 2, 2019

Top 5 Boxing Movies Of All Time

From classics like Rocky to more recent pictures like The Fighter, there are tons of boxing movies out there that pack a punch! Here’s The Ring’s Top 5 Boxing Movies of All Time.

5. MILLION DOLLAR BABY

A masterpiece by Clint Eastwood, this movie is a real tear-jerker and has tons of ups-and-downs. Get ready to witness the story of true grit and determination in the world of boxing, and get buckled in to go on an emotional rollercoaster.

Fun Fact: Our Founder Ruchdi trained with Hilary Swank at Gleason’s Gym in New York while she was training for this movie and met Clint Eastwood himself!

4. WHEN WE WERE KINGS

A big fan of Muhammad Ali? Here’s a treat for you! When We Were Kings follows the story of the Greatest of All Time, the one and only Muhammad Ali, in his glorious boxing days. He has changed the world of boxing ever since, and we thank him for it.

Fun Fact: At the Ring, we have two art pieces of Muhammad Ali – one watching you above the Ring and another next to the strength and conditioning area!

3. THE FIGHTER

The Fighter follows Micky Ward’s tumultuous journey as he fights his way into a spot at the London world championship. What adds to the spectacular boxing movie plot is the rocky and complex relationship between Micky and his brother – one that you’ll have to watch the movie yourself to understand.

2. CINDERELLA MAN

Cinderella Man is a heartwarming rags-to-riches story, where we witness the humbling story of James J. Braddock. Braddock injures his hand in one of his matches, and can no longer be in the ring. Further down the road, in a twist of events, he eventually makes a comeback to the ring, boxing using his other hand. He then fearlessly enters a match with notorious boxing champ Baer to become the heavyweight champion of the world.

1. ROCKY

Rocky is an instant classic when it comes to boxing movies – our favourites being Rocky III and Rocky IV. Portrayed and written by the legendary Sylvester Stallone, Rocky Balboa goes on a tough training regime to take on the heavyweight champion of the world in the ring. These movies are bound to inspire you to train harder than ever before, with its astounding scenes and catchy tunes. Rocky is one of the most inspirational movies ever- it has inspired fighters and boxing fans all over the world. It has taught us the most powerful lesson of persistence, the ability to just keep on moving forward, always.

Fun Fact: Do you know that we have an a pair of Golden Gloves signed by Rocky himself at The Ring? Check it out it’s next to the ring!

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: CREED, SOUTH PAW, RAGING BULL AND REAL STEEL.

WHAT ARE YOUR BOXING MOVIE FAVOURITES? SHARE WITH US, AND WE’LL CATCH YOU IN THE RING.

May 14, 2019March 17, 2021

Ain’t No Hood Like MamaHood

Felicia, the Ring’s Operations Manager speaks of her journey as a Single Mama and the important lessons learned along the way. And yes, she’s the Ring’s Marie Kondo, efficient and super organized.

ABOUT FELICIA AND KIMI:

My daughter, Kimi, and I are the same height and size. We share clothes and shoes! On a more serious note, I learned responsibility from a very young age. I am the only girl of 3 siblings and I took care of the 3 of them! Bittersweet but I learned so much from it. It’s what made me who I am today.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MOTHERHOOD JOURNEY?

It’s been challenging, exciting and frustrating, but my heart has never been full. In life, all aspects face some sort of struggle, otherwise the world wouldn’t be revolving. Being a single parent is a journey for the strong and the weak, it evolves you, it forces you into adapting two roles and it rewards you doubly.

3 THINGS THAT YOU LEARNED AS A MOM:

Not all superheroes wear capes! As a single parent, you tend to adapt faster. The conventional books on parenthood may not really apply here, it’s either you do it or you try doing it again.

First lesson is to take care of you. If we put ourselves last, who’s going to look after our mental and physical health? Burn out has its repercussions, and those who are firstly affected are our children. So it’s important to take care of you in order to take of the other.

Second, I’ve learned that it’s about empathy and respect. Empathy is very rare to find these days, the double whammy I’ve been through has instilled this in me. I appreciate my daughter for who she is, I’ve taught her what responsibility means and how to appreciate others.

Third, taking responsibility and building resilience. Crash, fall down and get back on your feet once again. Stand tall despite challenges and keep on trying until you get it right [for you].

ON MUAY THAI in Singapore:

Muay Thai has empowered me with confidence outside The Ring. Knowing how to defend myself, even if I’ve have never been in a position of danger before, gives me an extra ounce of confidence. After years of training, my daughter looks up to me as a role model (and someone who can kick ass). This for me is empowerment.

ON BEING SUPER ORGANIZED:

Being a Virgo has a part to play, but who doesn’t want to be in a tidy environment? I worked as an Administrative Executive at a Children’s Home a few years back and the role entails superb organization skills. Good organization skills cut your journey in half. Just imagine in the morning you’re running late for work and can’t find the other pair of your sock?

Find your Muay Thai in Singapore at The Ring, your Boxing Gym Singapore!

May 6, 2019December 2, 2019

Conquering Heights and an Adventure Like No Other

Kyle Ravin, professional emcee, climbed the Everest Base Camp and the snowy mountains of Everest this year! Kyle has been training with The Ring for two years, and shares with us how he has prepared for this ultimate adventure.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CLIMB EVEREST BASE CAMP?

I felt at the start of my 30s, I should achieve something to keep me going for the next 10 years. I believe in setting goals and each milestone of one’s life should have a motivating factor. Everest is the pinnacle of great heights in the world and camping in the mountains is one of my ultimate goals. I told myself “If I can do this, I can do anything.” It was a total life-changing adventure, camping on the base and the summit expeditions, and I’ve never felt so accomplished.

HOW HAVE YOU PREPARED FOR THIS EVEREST ADVENTURE?

The initial stages of getting in shape was boxing lessons 4-5 times a week. Eventually, I sat down with Haikal, The Ring’s Strength and Conditioning coach and developed a 4-month plan. My tailored training plan involved various facets of physical fitness and we consistently trained and followed the plan religiously. This involved 3 sessions a week in the gym, and homework sessions when I’m not at the gym. Heaps of recovery workouts, swimming, stair climbing, weight training and cardio. What I love about my coach is that he knows how much to push you and when to take things slow. It wasn’t about always about working hard but also working smarter. I’m truly glad for Haikal’s guidance.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED WHEN GOING UP OR CAMPING THE BASE CAMP? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THESE?

The trip was a myriad of challenges. First, there was the constant physical stress. Climbing 8 to 10 hours a day can take a toll on the knees. The altitude is something that definitely gets to you. Headaches, dizziness, lack of appetite were all part of the package.

Second, the cold. It was VERY Cold. It hit -27 degrees on basecamp. When it’s that cold, the water you carry freezes. Halfway up the Kala Pattar, my Camelbak tube (a bottle specifically designed for the cold) was frozen. Third, that night was supposed to be dry but we got hit by a snowstorm and it snowed down hard! It was freezing cold, everything in the tent was covered in frost and I was also suffering from food poisoning.

Ironically, the most beautiful night of my life was also the most challenging experience I had ever been through. Being ill in a snowstorm, at 2am on Mount Everest isn’t exactly fun. I had to constantly remind myself that it was all in the mind. A lot of what I was experiencing and doing was a mental challenge. It’s all about how I choose to endure my challenges. Of course being physically fit and having the right training helps.

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO AIMS TO DO THE GO ON THE SAME ADVENTURE?

Train smart, get well conditioned and prepare for the lack of normal comforts. It’s smart to get a personal trainer to work with you on your journey. Cardio is key – your heart will be racing for most of the day when you’re on your feet. Most of it is uphill but even the downhill can be daunting on the legs. There is a lot of information out there on what to bring (a good set of hiking poles, purification tablets), what to wear and what kind of insurance (should include helicopter evacuation) but the most important one is to strengthen your mental mindset before such an adventure.

It’s not that hard, but it’s hard enough. However, the positives outweigh the challenges. The views are spectacular, the locals are amazing and the experience is like no other. Overall, it’s an adventure. It’s designed to test the mind and body. Enjoy the experience and every step will be bliss.

April 30, 2019December 2, 2019

Bringing the Community Together

THE RING’S FRIENDLY FIGHT FRIDAYS: A GATHERING OF FAMILY, FRIENDS, FANS

Fighting in the ring is always daunting, but The Ring’s founder Ruchdi Hajjar and Golden Glove Asia General Manager Dzul Jaffar are trying to overcome this stigma with The Ring’s Friendly Fight Fridays ( “FFF”). It started off as a casual brainstorming session between the two, who were discussing ways to increase community engagement in fight sports like Boxing and Muay Thai, and provide fighting enthusiasts a chance to experience sparring in the ring. From a humble turnout of 50 people at the first FFF to a growing audience of over 500 at the most recent event, The Ring is now preparing to host its 9th edition of the FFF this May! We sat down with Dzul to find out more about this successful community initiative.

Our first FFF and our first audience in the background 🙂

COULD YOU SUMMARISE WHAT FFF IS ALL ABOUT?

Friendly Fight Fridays is basically a platform to develop Boxing and Muaythai as a sport in Singapore. We understand that fighting often has a negative connotation, but through our event, we want to show the community that everyone is a winner in the ring! We realised that the sporting community lacked a casual but safe platform for sparring, and through my past experience as a Silat Coach and being in charge of youth development at the Singapore Silat Federation, I realised that in order to bridge this gap, an event like FFF could really benefit the community.

Pre-FFF Briefing during our very first FFF

THROUGH THE PAST 3 YEARS OF HOSTING FFF, WHAT WERE THE MOST MEMORABLE?

All of the FFF nights have been favourites for me so far, but seeing the overall expansion of the event, and the increased involvement of members from the different gyms was really gratifying. This has opened a lot of doors and enabled me to meet new people as well as discover many talented individuals!

Our main objective of hosting the event is to provide the public with a platform to witness the friendships and camaraderie forged in the ring. It is not always about winning or punching the hardest, but about respect for each other and the sport.

Muay Thai at the January 2019 FFF

Our 8th FFF in January this year was probably the most successful yet, where we had a total of 30 bouts, featuring both Muay Thai and Boxing. We even expanded to include a Flea Market during the event! From there, I realised the impact of this event had on the overall fight sport community in Singapore, and was really proud that we could grow so much throughout these years.

January 2019 FFF

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR FFF?

It is always about the community, so we hope that FFF is able to provide budding fighters in Muay Thai and Boxing an opportunity to launch their passion as fighters. Through the various events, we have had individuals from different walks of life step into the ring and experience the adrenaline from the sport. Many were able to gain confidence and overcome their fears, and seeing them achieve something new really made me proud! Of course, I hope that the growth of FFF continues, because we have exciting plans in store for the future, but we will take it one step at a time.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT IN THE NEXT FFF?

You can expect more quality sparring as well a wider range of stores at our Flea Market! We will include exhibition bouts of fighters who currently train with us, and would also want to do our part to help charitable causes! Our fighters would be fighting for a cause, spreading the importance of reducing food wastage.

The next The Ring’s Friendly Fight Friday is happening on 31st May, and would feature exciting sparring sessions of both Muay Thai and Boxing! The event is free for all, so save the date! Details HERE

April 9, 2019December 2, 2019

Abdou Karroum: From Motorcross to Boxing

French Boxing Athlete Abdelelah aka “Abdou” Karroum speaks of his past, his boxing beginnings and why he moved to Singapore.

ABOUT ABDOU

I grew up in Corsica, a Mediterranean Island southeast of France. I was living in Monaco and I had an opportunity to move to Singapore and work with The Ring. I packed my bags, left everything behind and pursued a totally new experience. So far, there are no regrets! I am happy to work with the Team and eventually signed a long term contract with Red Glove Management.

OUTSIDE THE RING:

When I am not training or coaching at the Ring, I like to go shopping and try different activities. I like simple things and spending quality time with my girlfriend and group of friends. If I have more time, i love travelling! I love exploring a new country, meeting different people and experiencing different cultures.

LIFE BEFORE SINGAPORE

When I was young, I was not always an angel. I grew up with the wrong influence. Some of my peers ended in prison and some never found direction in their lives. One of my motivation is to become better and live my best life.

MY FIRST PASSION WAS MOTOCROSS, AN OFF-ROAD MOTORCYCLE RACING.

I even competed a couple of times! It is physically demanding and very expensive to sustain! Unfortunately, my family had not enough funding so I stopped eventually. But I discovered my next passion, BOXING – and that turned out to be a lot cheaper! 🙂

Motocross and Boxing are different but somehow similar in a number of ways. Both sports are very competitive and it’s necessary to take a lot of risks to succeed. Both requires a lot of courage, optimal focus and most importantly the dedication to work hard.

I was working as a car mechanic like my father and brother in Corsica. I wanted to be more than a car mechanic and was always looking for opportunities. Until one day, I was asked to audition to join the National Boxing Team in Monaco. I was already training regularly but I trained harder for 3 months, 6 times per week, twice per day in preparation for this audition. After all the hard work , I qualified to join the National Boxing Team. It has changed my life, and brought me to where I am now.