THE HANDSOME BEAST
From Alexandria's Alleyways to Madison Square Garden: The Unstoppable Rise of Boxing Champion and Elite Model Samir
In the bustling streets of Alexandria, Egypt, Samir was just another face in the crowd. Born into a family that struggled to make ends meet, Samir's early life was filled with challenges. But amidst the chaos and hardship, he discovered a passion that would change his life forever—boxing.
Samir was only 12 years old when he first encountered sanda. His cousin, Amr Ashour, the champion of Alexandria, introduced him to the sport. Training with Amr was more than just physical exercise; it was an escape from the stress of home and school. The thrill of sanda captivated Ahmed, and he poured his heart and soul into the sport.
His first sanda competition was a whirlwind. Under the guidance of a former sanda world champion, Samir had to shed a significant amount of weight to compete. The weight loss process was grueling, but Samir's determination saw him through. The fight itself seemed almost easy in comparison, and to everyone's surprise, Samir won first place. When he shared the news with his family, they could hardly believe it.
While Samir's love for sanda grew, so did his interest in boxing. His prowess in the ring soon earned him the title of number one in Egypt for his division. His exceptional talent led to his selection for the Egyptian Boxing Olympic team. Despite the dual demands of sanda and boxing, Samir excelled, winning national junior and senior titles, all by knockout.
In 2007, Samir made a life-altering decision to move to New York, escaping the political turmoil and corruption in Egypt's boxing world. He was even featured in the New York Times and in a book, highlighting his role in the Egyptian revolution. His journey in the United States was filled with new opportunities, including a successful modeling career. His modeling career began unexpectedly when he attended a birthday party for his good friend, Johnny Cohen, who owns The Confessional Showroom. The event connected him with a modeling agent, Michael Stallings, and soon after, he was signed. His striking looks and athletic build quickly made him a sought-after model, landing a cover of The Perfect Man and walking many New York Fashion Week shows, and has since been in high demand as a model.
In 2013, Samir faced one of the toughest challenges of his boxing career. Competing in the world championship in Malaysia, he fought valiantly and secured a bronze medal. However, the victory came at a cost—a fractured face that forced him to withdraw from the finals. The journey to the tournament was arduous. Samir had returned to Egypt from
New York just three months prior, and the intense training regimen was a stark reminder of his last sanda competition in 2005.
Injury struck again two weeks before the tournament. Samir's participation seemed doubtful, but with the unwavering support of his team and trainer, he made a miraculous recovery. Despite the setback, Samir fought with all his might, representing Egypt with pride. His opponent, Nursultan, was formidable, but Samir's superior technique shone through. Although he couldn't fight to his full potential, his team's happiness and the honor of representing his country fueled his resolve.
The heavyweight class, always a crowd favorite, was no different. Though smaller than most competitors, Samir's skill and relentless hard work made him a standout. The camaraderie and exchange of techniques with fellow fighters and trainers, enriched his experience. The 2013 tournament, despite its challenges, was a testament to Samir's resilience and dedication.
Samir's journey took him from New York to Egypt and back, often leaving his job and family behind to pursue his passion. The sacrifice paid off with a world championship bronze medal and the knowledge that he made his country proud. His international friendships with fellow sanda athletes added a layer of complexity to competitions, as he often found himself fighting friends rather than strangers.
The experiences and friendships Samir gained through sanda and boxing were invaluable. Meeting people from diverse cultures and religions broadened his horizons and enriched his life. His remarkable achievement of winning two world championship medals a decade apart underscored his enduring talent and determination. Reflecting on his career, Samiroften wondered how far he could have gone with more training time.
Samir's accolades are numerous: a member of the Olympic team, 295 amateur fights, 195 international fights, best fighter in Africa in 2007, ranked number three in the world as an amateur fighter, 16 professional fights, and a contender for the NABA golden heavyweight title. His MMA career was equally impressive, with a Ring of Combat belt at 185 pounds. Training in New York with his esteemed team, Samir balanced his demanding career with the joys and responsibilities of raising his four children and being with his loving girlfriend.
Samir's story is far from over. He aspires to compete in the next world championship in Australia, aiming for a gold medal to crown his illustrious career. With more preparation time, he dreams of knocking out his competitors and standing atop the podium. As if his journey wasn't remarkable enough, Samiris set to fight at Madison Square Garden in October, a prestigious venue that underscores the magnitude of his achievements.
The journey from a poor boy in Alexandria to a world champion and successful model is a testament to Samir's indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication. His story inspires not only aspiring athletes but anyone who dares to dream against all odds.
Photographer: Mark Veltman
