golden gloves

Currently undertaking the challenge of Year 12 VCE studies in English, Politics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics,  Mohammad Amir is quietly determined that this year will be one of his most successful.  Mohammed knows that achievement and excellence require commitment, persistence and hard work  - and these are qualities in which he  is well practised.

You see, Mohammad is the Victorian State Amateur Youth Boxing Champion 

(Flyweight Division).

Travelling to Brisbane recently, along with other members of the Victorian Representative Team and their coaches, Mo took on the Queensland Youth Champion - the current Golden Gloves champion in his weight division.   Mo defeated his opponent in three rounds (TKO) - clearly signalling his intention to pursue the title at the next Golden Gloves tournament to be held in Adelaide in August this year.

unlimited will means

unlimited skill...

So what lead Mo to the sport of boxing? Four years ago,  he took up the sport  primarily to boost his self confidence. That decision opened up a whole new world to him: Mo found his passion. His hard work has been rewarded with a place on the Victorian State Representative team and Mo is looking forward to contesting for the Golden Gloves title in Adelaide. Beyond the Golden Gloves is the Australian National Championships in May 2018,  and then the World Youth Championships in November 2018. Perhaps the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will also figure in Mo's journey.

'I am not getting ahead of myself,' says Mo.  'You are only as good as your last fight, so I take it one fight at a time.'

As you can see from the footage of the recent match here, Mo is well at ease in his sport.  He shakes hands with his (defeated) opponent and then continues over to the opposition coaches to pay his respects,   showing the humility of someone beyond his years.

'I have learned so much from boxing, and I think it has improved my whole life - not just my fitness. It is not just about the boxing - the sport has taught me about respect, persistence, strategy, commitment, teamwork and pride,' says Mo. 'It has developed my mental maturity- and this has an effect on everything I do.'

'I love it...and I am good at it'

Most would consider that training 6 days a week is hard work, not to mention combining this training regime with the demands of his VCE education.

'It is hard work. But I love it, and I am good at it.  It has made me a better person all round and taught me life skills.

For example, boxing has taught me that at school I can push myself, I can persist until I understand something, I can develop study strategies and that I need to really commit to  achieve my VCE. My boxing success also hinges on accepting critical feedback from my coach and using that feedback to improve my performance.  Just like I need to listen to my teachers at school.'

In Mo's corner...

Mo's family cannot always be at his boxing bouts, but they are always there in spirit. They did not attend his match in Brisbane, but whenever he competes in Melbourne,  his entourage are ringside, cheering him on.

'My family are very supportive of me and I could not do it without them. They are happy that I am boxing, but they know that I also need work hard at school as well and they make sure that I don't slip up. I really appreciate that they keep me grounded and want to make them proud of me.'

Mo's Gameplan

Mo says the only way to win a bout is to  decide on a game plan - consider and study your opponent and do your homework on his game.  Once decided,  stick to that game plan and have confidence in it. This is one of the most important lessons he has learned because you can apply a game plan to any challenge - sport, work and of course,  school.  

So Mo has a game plan for life. His strategy for success  is to make sure that he uses his time wisely and to make every moment count - in work and in play.

On weekdays,  Mo is out of bed at 5am to start his day with a 3 kilometre run (5km on a weekend morning!). While maintaining his fitness, he can use this time to think about the day ahead, checklist his tasks and goals and to consider long term plans. Other times, he can just 'zone out' - not unlike meditation.  Once home, he showers, has breakfast, then uses the two hours before school to do homework, revision and prepare for the day's classes.

After a busy day at school, it is straight to the gym in Coburg for a couple of hours of training with his boxing coach. When he is done there, it is back home for dinner and a well deserved rest.

He manages his time very well.

'I am too tired at night after training to try to do homework,  so I do it in the morning before school.  After I have had my run , my shower and my breakfast, I am really alert and I can do my best work then.'

When in class,  Mo focuses his attention on his learning - making the  most of his time with his teachers and peers. Recess and lunchtimes are spent catching up with his friends, relaxing or enjoying a game of basketball.  As he is often away interstate on boxing trips, Mo has limited time with his mates so he really values this time.

'I don't have much time for a social life.  Boxing is my social life - I enjoy it so much. I don't go out to parties or anything much so maybe being so focused on boxing keeps me out of trouble,' chuckles Mo.

At the end of the school day when he turns his energies to his sport, Mo totally commits to working hard at training as well as listening to and reflecting on the sage advice from his coach.

It seems that working hard in pursuit of his goals is all in a day's work for him.

'You have to do it if you want to succeed. You have to work hard. You have to develop a game plan,  you have to have strategies. Boxing isn't just about hitting your opponent, it is  more about beating them mentally; outsmarting them, knowing their game, knowing their weaknesses, knowing their strengths, being better prepared than they are.  And more than just knowing your opponent's game - you have to know yourself, believe in yourself and enjoy what you do - then it is easy to push yourself to do even better.'

And so this is his approach as Mo tackles his final year of high school - sticking to his game plan of working hard, staying focused, taking on the advice and feedback from his teachers. This is how he will achieve his best possible outcome.

'That's what life's about...

doing your best.'

- Mo Azir -

The BSC community also stands firmly in Mo's corner and we wish him every success as he strives for excellence!