Young boxer ready to win

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This article was published 27/02/2019 (2581 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A local pugilist is excited about the opportunities to come at the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

Mohammed Makhlouf, a 16-year-old boxer, was selected to fighter Team Manitoba at the Winter Games in Red Deer, Alta. which began on Feb. 15.

“I’m ready. My coaches got me ready, so I’m feeling really good,” he said.

Makhlouf is a member of Power Boxing Club located at 1121 Fife St. On Feb. 10, 2018, he won a gold medal at the provincial championships in the Junior C category.

Through boxing, the Grade 10 Garden City Collegiate student not only learned how to punch, he also found a way to channel his energy into something useful.

It’s been three years since Makhlouf started boxing. Getting involved with the sport was a way to stay out of trouble.

“I was getting in a lot of trouble on the streets fighting, and I decided to join boxing. Ever since I haven’t been getting into trouble anymore because my coaches keep me in the gym to stay fit,” he said.

Makhlouf said he is most excited for the hundreds of people that are going to attend the games — athletes, family members, and fans — who will be watching him when he goes into the rink to fight against contestants from other provinces.

Although Makhlouf has fought at the 2018 Super Channel Championship, a big amateur tournament, the Winter Games is the most significant event he’s participated in. Makhlouf described himself as super-competitive, and said he won’t be going into the ring to make friends — he’s going in to win.

“Staying focused in my biggest strength,” he said. “I’m going there to try my hardest, and I’m going to do all that my coaches taught me to do. I’m expecting to win.”

“I feel confident that I will do good and beat anyone that comes in front of me and bring home the gold medal. It doesn’t matter who I’m fighting, I’m ready.”

Makhlouf fought his first match on Feb. 17 in the 75 kilograms category against Ontario’s Moe Zawadi. The result was unavailable at press time, but can be found at www.canadagames.ca/2019