Ayoub Ghadfa: The Moroccan champion who thrills Spain

Ayoub Ghadfa, a Spanish boxer of Moroccan origin, is aiming for gold at the Paris Olympics. The 25-year-old fighter, who had a difficult childhood and suffered racism, is in the semi-finals of the super-heavyweight (+92 kg) after winning his duel against Armenian Davit Chaloyan on Friday.

Born in Marbella in 1998 to Moroccan parents, Ayoub grew up in Malaga, where he was bullied and racist at school because of his origins and physique. To learn how to defend himself, he began taking kickboxing classes at the age of 10, on the recommendation of his father. At 18, the young fighter moved to Madrid, where he joined José Valenciano’s gym, located near his university. His new coach advised him to take up boxing. That’s how he got his start in the discipline, with Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson as references.