Libyan boxing scene thrives after 2011 revolution - in pictures

Under Muammar Qaddafi's rule the sport was considered too violent

A boxing match in Tripoli. Libya's previous regime considered boxing too violent but, since the 2011 revolution, the country's fighters have shone in various competitions. Many are modelling themselves after Malik Zinad, a light heavyweight boxer who found success after leaving the country for Europe. All photos: AFP

Omar Zlitni was a 19-year-old fighter, in 1979, when boxing, along with wrestling and other combat sports, was banned by Muammar Qaddafi

Boxers take part in a competition in Tripoli

The winner is declared

Several Libyan boxers are striving to be selected to compete in African qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

The winner is declared

Mr Zlitni, now 63, shows a photo of himself as a boxer in his prime. He has reunited with former fighters and worked to revive boxing, re-establishing the national federation

Other combat sports have reappeared and emerged in Libya since 2011

Kickboxer and Thai boxer Omar Bouhwiyah, is pictured during a training session at a gymnasium in Tripoli, on March 5, 2023. - Libya's previous regime considered boxing too violent. But since the 2011 revolution, Libyan boxers have shone in various competitions, modelling themselves of Malik Zinad, a light heavyweight fighter who found success after leaving the country for Europe. (Photo by Mahmud Turkia / AFP)

"These sports have allowed me to have more self-confidence, to remove negative energy, have a sense of responsibility and to socialise more," Omar says

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