FOR Ruwacy Al-Dakhil, stepping into the ring on June 28 wasn’t about claiming victory in a boxing match.
Under the advertising banner of Cartel Promotions at Club Da Vinci, the 22-year-old fighter carried a far more purposeful objective in his mind transcending jabs and hooks between the ropes.
“This fight wasn’t about winning,” said Al-Dakhil
“It was a tribute.
“I was carrying my brother Safaa Sabri every second in that ring, he may be gone but I still felt his spirit while I was fighting and was giving me the strength I need to manage to pull of the win.”
The bout was an exhibition middleweight clash during a Cartel Promotions fight night that marked Al-Dakhil’s return to boxing after a period away from the sport.
Having trained on and off since 2023, he dedicated himself to an intense regimen prior to the fight, shedding around 15 kilograms in the span of just a month to make weight.
But even the confronting physical demands of boxing pale beside the emotional burden of losing a loved one, fueling Al-Dakhil’s drive and performance.
“So, I was already in boxing before, but after he passed, he got me more motivated to do it more,” Al-Dakhil said.
“And because he was really supportive about it, too.
“That’s why I just kept going and that was a good opportunity for me to do the fight night for him.”
Al-Dakhil shared a profound bond with his brother, making the pain deeper, but motivation stronger.
“Me and him were extremely close,” he said.
“Like best friends pretty much.”
The personal loss left Al-Dakhil searching for ways to honour Sabri’s memory.
Boxing became that path.
“It drove me to be better,” said Al-Dakhil.
“Just thinking of him made me push so much more harder than I ever did before.”
Al-Dakhil went on to win the bout via a unanimous decision result.
“I did it because I just want everyone to know what I’m fighting for and how much of a good person he was,” he said.
Alongside Al-Dakhil on fight night and helping him through his grieving has been coach Nick Wakefield.
“He not only acts like my coach, but he’s also there for me as a mentor too,” said Al-Dakhil.
“There were times I just didn’t feel like trying because I was upset about my brother.
“Nick sat down with me, just comforted me and helped me out through all of it.”
With the win Al-Dakhil is hopeful of competing further in the future.
But his purpose for fighting goes far above and beyond the sport of boxing.
“Anyone that struggles mentally, there’s always someone out there just to talk to,” he said.
“No one is alone.
“Just talk to them because reaching out helps.”
