Mujeeb Rahman with one of his coaches Jack Devine
for Ireland in the boxing ring.
Mujeeb Rahman fled Afghanistan in 2019 and following an epic journey through the Middle East and Europe the 18-year-old finally arrived in Dublin before crossing the border into the North of Ireland.
Now the promising boxer has settled in Derry where he is honing his silky skills in the ring as well as becoming a role model for local children.
The teenager told BBC News NI: “Here is my country. I know the people and I’ve got many people here and I’m so happy here.
“I think about my support and Ireland has helped me a lot, so I have to play and fight for Ireland.”
He says he feels safe in Derry and can never see himself returning to Afghanistan fearing he would be in danger which is controlled by the Taliban with an iron grip.
His family still live there but with the passage of time he has lost contact with them.
He says he was encouraged to join Springtown Boxing 18 months ago – and has not looked back.
Mujeeb has already chalked up up three wins out from his first three fights. His recent win came in the Co Derry championships held in Swatragh.
So how did he get into boxing?
He says his love boxing – dubbed the ‘Sport of Kings’ – came from legends of the ring Muhammad ‘Cassius Clay’ Ali and ‘Iron Mike’ Tyson.
The teenager knows what it takes to emulate his heroes on the international stage.
He says he trains every available hour believing the physical and mental aspects of training go hand-in-glove.
“I think Min and Jack, my coaches, are so nice to me and so friendly,” he said.
“They always support me; they always tell me to be strong.”
To read more, visit here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce34wqzd1npo
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