The Importance of Boxing in Morocco and Moroccan Champions
Boxing has only been an official sporting discipline in Morocco for about a decade. Yet illustrious champions have given this sport its noble credentials, and have done so for a long time.
Boxing has only been an official sporting discipline in Morocco for about a decade. Yet illustrious champions have given this sport its noble credentials, and have done so for a long time. Starting with Marcel Cerdan. Although this boxing ring specialist was born in Algeria, it was in Casablanca where the man affectionately known as the "Moroccan Bomber" began his training. And it was the city of Meknès that welcomed him for his first fight.
Other Moroccan boxers have distinguished themselves on the major international stages. In June 2011, Yassine El Maachi won the Prize Fighter lightweight title in London. A few months earlier, at the African Nations Cup (Algiers, December 2010), and then at the Arab Championship in Doha (March 2011), Moroccan competitors had demonstrated their strong level. In the first, it was women's boxing that shone brightly. Morocco indeed won three gold medals and Zahra Zahraoui was crowned the best boxer of the tournament. In Doha, Yassine Lakhal, the youngest boxer in the competition, was crowned Arab champion in the under 52 kg category. All have come through the major Moroccan clubs such as Sporting Oujda, Kawkab Riadi of Marrakech, and Athletic Sports of Casablanca.
Aware of the high level of Moroccan boxing, the Moroccan government, encouraged by the Royal Moroccan Boxing Federation, took the initiative to create a national academy near Ben Slimane. This is a center dedicated to training young prospects and preparing competitors. Its first objective: to achieve outstanding results in boxing at the London Olympic Games in 2012 and beyond. The Olympic Games have traditionally brought good fortune to Morocco, which has won the gold medal three times, with Abdelhak Achik at the Seoul Olympics in 1988, Mohamed Achik at Barcelona in 1992, and Taher Tamsamani at Sydney in 2000.
Many boxing competitions also take place on Moroccan soil, such as the National Professional Boxing Association Cup, the Morocco Tournament, and the Morocco Youth Championship. The country also ensures a strong standing in international kickboxing competitions, notably with a world champion title won by Aziz Khattou in the 95 kg category.
Frequently asked questions
Marcel Cerdan, nicknamed the 'Moroccan Bomber', was born in Algeria but began his boxing career in Casablanca. His first professional fight took place in Meknès. He became middleweight world champion in 1948 and remains one of the most emblematic figures associated with Moroccan boxing.
Morocco has won 3 Olympic gold medals in boxing: Abdelhak Achik at the Seoul Games in 1988, Mohamed Achik at Barcelona in 1992, and Taher Tamsamani at Sydney in 2000.
The national boxing academy is a training center located near Ben Slimane, created at the initiative of the Moroccan government and the Royal Moroccan Boxing Federation. Its objective is to develop young prospects and prepare competitors for major international competitions, including the Olympic Games.
Among the most recognized boxing clubs in Morocco are Sporting Oujda, Kawkab Riadi of Marrakech, and Athletic Sports of Casablanca. These clubs have trained several national and international champions.
Yes, Morocco has a strong presence on the international kickboxing scene. Champion Aziz Khattou notably won a world title in the 95 kg category, illustrating the diversity and level of martial arts in Morocco.
