• 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
    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
    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
    Boxers take part in a competition in Tripoli
  • The winner is declared
    The winner is declared
  • Several Libyan boxers are striving to be selected to compete in African qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
    Several Libyan boxers are striving to be selected to compete in African qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
  • The winner is declared
    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
    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
    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)
    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
    "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

MENA

Libyan boxing scene thrives after 2011 revolution - in pictures

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

The National

March 17, 2023

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Updated: March 17, 2023, 1:27 PM