Amidst the exhilaration of his recent match at the CWFC 2.0 welterweight boxing contest, held on the 8th of July at the indoor sports hall of the national stadium in Surulere, Hassan Kareem’s enthusiasm was palpable as he shared his feelings with Sports247.
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Despite the rain and obstacles, Hassan felt deeply honored and privileged by the overwhelming support he received from the audience.
Recalling the preparation leading up to the event, Hassan opened up about an injury that almost jeopardized his performance. He revealed, “Just last week, I suffered a thumb injury, and I feared it would hinder my performance. My wife played a crucial role in helping me massage the injured area. You can still see it’s swollen. However, by the grace of God, I was able to give a commendable performance.”
Balancing a full-time job with rigorous training posed significant challenges for Hassan. He shared candidly, “Juggling both work and training is not an easy feat. There are times when I barely have enough time for training. Yet, my unwavering passion for boxing drives me to find a way to strike a balance, and here I am today.”
As an independent boxer, Hassan has actively engaged in nearly 25 boxing bouts throughout his career. Looking forward to the future, he expressed his ambition to take on tougher opponents, eager to showcase his true potential as a professional boxer.
With self-reliance as his guiding principle, Hassan, who also works as an Uber driver, has managed to support himself without external sponsorship. However, he shed light on the challenges faced by many athletes, emphasizing the need for greater support from the government, sports enthusiasts, and organizations.
Expressing his concerns, Hassan appealed to authorities to lend support to boxers, stating, “It’s disheartening to witness more extensive support directed towards footballers while boxers are often overlooked. We need support from various avenues. The organizers of this contest have invested significantly, mostly from personal funds, and without adequate backing, it may become challenging to sustain such competitions and provide a platform for us to showcase our talents. The need for support is evident.”
As Hassan Kareem’s star continues to rise in the boxing arena, his determination and talent stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of athletes who persevere against all odds. With greater backing and recognition, Hassan believes that boxing in Nigeria can reach new heights, and the nation’s boxers can shine on the international stage.
In his heartfelt advice for aspiring boxers seeking to make it to the global stage, Hassan Kareem acknowledges the formidable challenges that lie ahead. Drawing from his own experiences and those of fellow boxers who started their journey alongside him, Hassan emphasizes the financial difficulties and responsibilities that often force talented athletes to step away from the sport.
He acknowledges, “It is not easy for upcoming boxers. I’ve witnessed numerous talented individuals, who, like me, embarked on this journey twelve years ago, but they had to leave boxing due to financial constraints and the need to provide for their families as responsible family men. It’s a tough road to navigate.”
Despite the hurdles, Hassan firmly believes in the power of passion and determination. He advises, “When you have an unwavering passion for something, you must continue pushing forward. Even after completing a boxing match, I have to resume work as an Uber driver to secure income on weekends. It’s a challenging balancing act, but that’s what it takes to pursue our dreams.”
Hassan encourages aspiring boxers to persistently push forward, pray for guidance and support, and dedicate themselves to hard work. He believes that with unwavering dedication and resilience, they can strive for success and ultimately find the light at the end of the tunnel.
His advice serves as an inspiration, illustrating the unfaltering spirit and determination required to overcome obstacles and chase one’s dreams in the world of boxing. Hassan Kareem’s story stands as a testament to the sacrifices and unwavering commitment that aspiring boxers must embrace as they seek to make a mark on the global stage.
