NADIM SALLOUM
Story of a resilient Lebanese boxer
My name is Nadim Salloum, and I am proud to be the first Lebanese professional boxer. Like many kids, I started as a way to shed some pounds and enjoy myself, but it soon turned into something bigger and became a passion. In 2011, when I was 17, I participated in my first ever amateur competition —a Lebanese national championship—and that was the moment I realized that it would become my calling in life.
Boxing provided me a purpose that extended far beyond the sport itself. As a teenager in high school, I was lost trying to figure out my identity and future aspirations. But the sport became a journey of self-discovery, slowly nourishing self-confidence and inner peace. I attended college for a couple of years, but decided to drop out and wholeheartedly pursue my dreams of becoming a professional boxer.
In the beginning, my parents did not understand my decision to quit college for boxing. Like any concerned Lebanese parents, they desired stability for me, wishing for a more secure future in a conventional profession like medicine and thought that I could do it as a side hobby. But for me, I saw it as “all or nothing.” My big brother became the first to believe in me, and the rest of my family gradually supported me with time because they saw how happy I was. Today, my family couldn’t be prouder and more supportive.
Following this dream hasn’t been an easy journey as I didn’t become an overnight sensation, and there are still challenges to this day. I did not grow up in a wealthy family and financial resources were scarce. So it was difficult to get into the field and support myself as a boxer. I had to pay for my own flights, travel expenses, and a promoter to help start my professional career.. I did what I had to do to compete, even sleeping on a couch for four years as I struggled to find a place to stay in New York. At times, I relied on others to cover my expenses, as I couldn’t even afford a subway ride with only a dollar in my pocket.
However, through sponsorship and the support of my family and friends, I managed to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with my career. It is still a challenge, but without the support of incredible Lebanese sponsors from around the world and Lebanon, I would struggle to continue this journey. My family, friends, manager, and trainer also provide their unwavering support through different means, ensuring I am in my best state to fight and compete. Today, I find myself ranked in the top 8% of professional boxers, at 118 out of 1452 in my category. From a starting point of 470, this is an achievement I’m proud of. As long as I continue on this path, my ultimate goal is to reach the top 1%.
Preparing for a fight entails a rigorous training camp lasting five to six weeks. Every day during this period is crucial, as every aspect of my preparation counts. The speed of my runs, the intensity of my strength conditioning, and even the smallest indulgences or slip-ups all affect my performance. It demands discipline and strength; there are no shortcuts and no place to hide any shortcomings, and that’s what I love.
Beyond training, external pressures exist. However, my main motivation is internal. I understand the weight of expectations, but I perform for myself above all else. While there are risks to my life, health, and financial stability involved, I don’t dwell on them. I liken it to anyone getting into a car, accepting the potential for accidents but choosing to move forward nonetheless. I remind myself that whatever happens, it is my journey alone. Before each competition, I take a moment to think about my family, my friends, and everything that has led me to this point. I fight not only for myself but for my people, my country, and all those who face adversity. It hurts, but it also fuels my hunger for victory, driving me to make my supporters proud and happy.
Boxing has brought numerous rewards to my life, particularly my experience with the fans. Seeing the joy on the fans’ faces, watching them cheer from ringside, and seeing their pride when I raise the Lebanese flag fills my heart with warmth. All the sacrifices and hard work make it all worth it. I strive to bring happiness to others, just as fighting has brought happiness to me.
This sport is unfortunately not highly recognized or valued in Lebanon, especially since many fail to differentiate between amateur and professional pugilism. Despite my efforts, channels decline to broadcast my international fights on national television as they lack interest. But I hope that this will change with time. Boxing is my passion, my purpose, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. The thrill of winning in such a challenging sport is unparalleled. Yes, it is a demanding journey, but the rewards are immeasurable. I am a boxer, and I am proud to be the first Lebanese professional boxer, carrying the hopes and dreams of my nation on my shoulders.
My name is Nadim Salloum, and I am proud to be the first Lebanese professional boxer. Like many kids, I started as a way to shed some pounds and enjoy myself, but it soon turned into something bigger and became a passion. In 2011, when I was 17, I participated in my first ever amateur competition —a Lebanese national championship—and that was the moment I realized that it would become my calling in life.
Boxing provided me a purpose that extended far beyond the sport itself. As a teenager in high school, I was lost trying to figure out my identity and future aspirations. But the sport became a journey of self-discovery, slowly nourishing self-confidence and inner peace. I attended college for a couple of years, but decided to drop out and wholeheartedly pursue my dreams of becoming a professional boxer.
In the beginning, my parents did not understand my decision to quit college for boxing. Like any concerned Lebanese parents, they desired stability for me, wishing for a more secure future in a conventional profession like medicine and thought that I could do it as a side hobby. But for me, I saw it as “all or nothing.” My big brother became the first to believe in me, and the rest of my family gradually supported me with time because they saw how happy I was. Today, my family couldn’t be prouder and more supportive.
Following this dream hasn’t been an easy journey as I didn’t become an overnight sensation, and there are still challenges to this day. I did not grow up in a wealthy family and financial resources were scarce. So it was difficult to get into the field and support myself as a boxer. I had to pay for my own flights, travel expenses, and a promoter to help start my professional career.. I did what I had to do to compete, even sleeping on a couch for four years as I struggled to find a place to stay in New York. At times, I relied on others to cover my expenses, as I couldn’t even afford a subway ride with only a dollar in my pocket.
However, through sponsorship and the support of my family and friends, I managed to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with my career. It is still a challenge, but without the support of incredible Lebanese sponsors from around the world and Lebanon, I would struggle to continue this journey. My family, friends, manager, and trainer also provide their unwavering support through different means, ensuring I am in my best state to fight and compete. Today, I find myself ranked in the top 8% of professional boxers, at 118 out of 1452 in my category. From a starting point of 470, this is an achievement I’m proud of. As long as I continue on this path, my ultimate goal is to reach the top 1%.
Preparing for a fight entails a rigorous training camp lasting five to six weeks. Every day during this period is crucial, as every aspect of my preparation counts. The speed of my runs, the intensity of my strength conditioning, and even the smallest indulgences or slip-ups all affect my performance. It demands discipline and strength; there are no shortcuts and no place to hide any shortcomings, and that’s what I love.
Beyond training, external pressures exist. However, my main motivation is internal. I understand the weight of expectations, but I perform for myself above all else. While there are risks to my life, health, and financial stability involved, I don’t dwell on them. I liken it to anyone getting into a car, accepting the potential for accidents but choosing to move forward nonetheless. I remind myself that whatever happens, it is my journey alone. Before each competition, I take a moment to think about my family, my friends, and everything that has led me to this point. I fight not only for myself but for my people, my country, and all those who face adversity. It hurts, but it also fuels my hunger for victory, driving me to make my supporters proud and happy.
Boxing has brought numerous rewards to my life, particularly my experience with the fans. Seeing the joy on the fans’ faces, watching them cheer from ringside, and seeing their pride when I raise the Lebanese flag fills my heart with warmth. All the sacrifices and hard work make it all worth it. I strive to bring happiness to others, just as fighting has brought happiness to me.
This sport is unfortunately not highly recognized or valued in Lebanon, especially since many fail to differentiate between amateur and professional pugilism. Despite my efforts, channels decline to broadcast my international fights on national television as they lack interest. But I hope that this will change with time. Boxing is my passion, my purpose, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. The thrill of winning in such a challenging sport is unparalleled. Yes, it is a demanding journey, but the rewards are immeasurable. I am a boxer, and I am proud to be the first Lebanese professional boxer, carrying the hopes and dreams of my nation on my shoulders.
My name is Nadim Salloum, and I am proud to be the first Lebanese professional boxer. Like many kids, I started as a way to shed some pounds and enjoy myself, but it soon turned into something bigger and became a passion. In 2011, when I was 17, I participated in my first ever amateur competition —a Lebanese national championship—and that was the moment I realized that it would become my calling in life.
Boxing provided me a purpose that extended far beyond the sport itself. As a teenager in high school, I was lost trying to figure out my identity and future aspirations. But the sport became a journey of self-discovery, slowly nourishing self-confidence and inner peace. I attended college for a couple of years, but decided to drop out and wholeheartedly pursue my dreams of becoming a professional boxer.
In the beginning, my parents did not understand my decision to quit college for boxing. Like any concerned Lebanese parents, they desired stability for me, wishing for a more secure future in a conventional profession like medicine and thought that I could do it as a side hobby. But for me, I saw it as “all or nothing.” My big brother became the first to believe in me, and the rest of my family gradually supported me with time because they saw how happy I was. Today, my family couldn’t be prouder and more supportive.
Following this dream hasn’t been an easy journey as I didn’t become an overnight sensation, and there are still challenges to this day. I did not grow up in a wealthy family and financial resources were scarce. So it was difficult to get into the field and support myself as a boxer. I had to pay for my own flights, travel expenses, and a promoter to help start my professional career.. I did what I had to do to compete, even sleeping on a couch for four years as I struggled to find a place to stay in New York. At times, I relied on others to cover my expenses, as I couldn’t even afford a subway ride with only a dollar in my pocket.
However, through sponsorship and the support of my family and friends, I managed to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with my career. It is still a challenge, but without the support of incredible Lebanese sponsors from around the world and Lebanon, I would struggle to continue this journey. My family, friends, manager, and trainer also provide their unwavering support through different means, ensuring I am in my best state to fight and compete. Today, I find myself ranked in the top 8% of professional boxers, at 118 out of 1452 in my category. From a starting point of 470, this is an achievement I’m proud of. As long as I continue on this path, my ultimate goal is to reach the top 1%.
Preparing for a fight entails a rigorous training camp lasting five to six weeks. Every day during this period is crucial, as every aspect of my preparation counts. The speed of my runs, the intensity of my strength conditioning, and even the smallest indulgences or slip-ups all affect my performance. It demands discipline and strength; there are no shortcuts and no place to hide any shortcomings, and that’s what I love.
Beyond training, external pressures exist. However, my main motivation is internal. I understand the weight of expectations, but I perform for myself above all else. While there are risks to my life, health, and financial stability involved, I don’t dwell on them. I liken it to anyone getting into a car, accepting the potential for accidents but choosing to move forward nonetheless. I remind myself that whatever happens, it is my journey alone. Before each competition, I take a moment to think about my family, my friends, and everything that has led me to this point. I fight not only for myself but for my people, my country, and all those who face adversity. It hurts, but it also fuels my hunger for victory, driving me to make my supporters proud and happy.
Boxing has brought numerous rewards to my life, particularly my experience with the fans. Seeing the joy on the fans’ faces, watching them cheer from ringside, and seeing their pride when I raise the Lebanese flag fills my heart with warmth. All the sacrifices and hard work make it all worth it. I strive to bring happiness to others, just as fighting has brought happiness to me.
This sport is unfortunately not highly recognized or valued in Lebanon, especially since many fail to differentiate between amateur and professional pugilism. Despite my efforts, channels decline to broadcast my international fights on national television as they lack interest. But I hope that this will change with time. Boxing is my passion, my purpose, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. The thrill of winning in such a challenging sport is unparalleled. Yes, it is a demanding journey, but the rewards are immeasurable. I am a boxer, and I am proud to be the first Lebanese professional boxer, carrying the hopes and dreams of my nation on my shoulders.
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Karen Kawkab
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Karen Kawkab
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Karen Kawkab
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Karen Kawkab
