Jake Spring and Tariq Abdulrahman
H ands wrapped. Gloves on. Eyes locked. Bell rings. The bout starts, emerging is 12 grueling rounds of three-minutes, with two boxers battling it out until one is victorious. The art of boxing has too often been synonymised with glorified violence, however, those who are a part of the boxing world understand that the sport stands for much more than black and blue eyes and winning punches. Boxing carries an air and culture encompassing brotherhood, mutual respect, and passion. Strength, skill, and stamina are what make a good boxer; understanding the culture and philosophies behind boxing are what makes a great boxer. Lift Bahrain, the Kingdom’ s first home-grown fully dedicated boxing facility, as well as strength and conditioning centre, has taken the initiative to bring the sport to life in Bahrain providing thorough training – both physically and mentally – nurturing and exhibiting the boxing talent that Bahrain has to offer.
Brainchild of Tariq Abdulrahman Lift Bahrain is the first of its kind on the island and is already on the way to establishing itself as Bahrain’ s favourite fitness facility. Perle Magazine spoke to Tariq about his passion for the sport and how – through his facility – he hopes to educate the people in Bahrain about the true nature of boxing.
Boxing has produced an endless list of great athletes; from legends such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Vitali Klitschko of the days past, or the current superstars such as Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Danny Gargcia, Gennady Golovkin or Anthony Joshua. Boxers for many serve as idols or inspirations to become stronger, better people; for Tariq, boxing was not about becoming like his idols, but was introduced to the sport at the young age of 11 as a means for self-defence against bullies. From then on, Tariq developed his boxing prowess and continued in the sport with passion, onwards and upwards to collegiate level and the amateur ranks in the UK, before pursuing a career in law subsequently putting boxing on hold. His move back to Bahrain in 2012 not only marked a change in location, but also vocation, where he initially started as a part-time boxing coach, realising his true passion lied within the sport and decided to pursue it full-time. Receiving his certification of coaching from registered UK Certification body, REPS, as well as being qualified from the Boxing Board of Control, Tariq started with an outdoor gym in his
114 Perle APRIL- MAY 2017