Ahmed El-Biali is currently making headlines in the boxing world knocking out people left and right. Starting boxing relatively later that most people, the fighting pride of Egypt is the first in his country to reach the world class stages in professional boxing and is currently on his way to becoming the first ever Egyptian born boxing world champion. We took out time with El-Bialy to discuss his upbringing, plans for the future and the training regime that got him in fighting shape, having just knocked out an opponent on the 28th of December. 

How and at what age did you start boxing?

I started boxing at the age of 16. I was always a troublesome kid and loved to play sports so the boxing was perfect

Where you originally from an athletic family or are you your family’ first champion?

My family is more of the athletic family for sure. My father tried to pursue professional soccer in Egypt and in Europe and my sister runs collegiate track here in the US

Did you try to compete here in Egypt? Or you preferred to have a career in the United States?

I originally tried to make the Egyptian 2012 Olympic team. I felt that I could have really helped the squad however the political situation at the time was a bit disturbed. Seeing as the country was going through a revolution at the time.

What are the most important aspects for becoming a fighter?

Lots of important factors when it comes to boxing, Top 3 would be mind body and soul.

What is your current record ?

20 wins and only one loss, which came at the hands of Jean Pascal an all time great and multiple time world champion who is just would the light heavyweight championship of the world. 

Are you going through negotiations to have a rematch with Jean Pascal?

We have been in negotiations with pascal for about a year now. We are hoping for the best but we are also open to new opportunities pascal is definitely my dream opponent

Who is your favorite boxer, who inspired you to train to begin with?

Mike Tyson inspired me to start for sure. Everything about the guy I wanted to be.

What do you consider is your strongest fighting asset?

My greatest asset is that I am a child of Egypt,. My country  and my people are my greatest strength

Do you consider yourself the most successful Egyptian boxer in history?

I can only live up to what I accomplish I’m here to help Egypt as a whole grow in boxing and fight sports. I might be the best at the moment but that doesn’t mean anything. Our people are hungry hardworking adults determined. Inshallah there will be numerous world champions to come

Walk us through a basic day at your training camp and the exercises to get you in boxing shape?

We train hard 2-3 time a day 6 days a week. Lots of food and rest and whole lot of discipline. It’s not easy but I absolutely love what I do

When are you scheduled to fight for a Word Title ?

Very soon.

Is professional boxing your full time job? Or do you work another job beside it ?

Professional boxing is currently my full time job. It wasn’t always easy to have multiple jobs but you have to earn the life that you want and that’s what boxing has taught me.

The ministry of youth and sports is currently doing a great job in supporting young Egyptian Athletes, Do you think Egyptians can someday be as good as the Eastern Europeans or Mexicans at boxing ?

Egyptians are just as good as Europeans and Mexicans already. We however do need the proper coaching and education to helps grow in all sorts

What advice would you give young Egyptians who want to become world champions?

Never give up. Hold on to that dream. It will happen.