"If You Dwell on the Past, You'll Stay There" — Ziyad Almaayouf | Saudi Pro Boxer

"If You Dwell on the Past, You'll Stay There" — Ziyad Almaayouf | Saudi Pro Boxer

Author: Mo Islam June 3, 2025 Duration: 1:12:13

A returning guest on the podcast, Ziyad “Zizo” Almaayouf is Saudi Arabia’s first professional boxer undefeated, unapologetically proud, and a GQ Middle East cover star representing a bold new generation.

 

Born in New York City on July 2, 2000, Zizo took up boxing at age 11 and overcame early challenges due to limited training resources. At 19, he moved to Los Angeles to train under legendary coach Buddy McGirt, fully committing to his craft and his country. 

 

On August 20, 2022, Zizo made history with a first-round knockout in his professional debut becoming the first Saudi to win a pro boxing match. Now 8–0, he’s more than a rising star; he’s a symbol of Saudi excellence, blending world-class athleticism with the ambition of Vision 2030.

 

Guided by elite mentorship and backed by the Kingdom’s leadership and growing investment in sports, Zizo steps into the ring not just to win, but to inspire. He represents the next generation of Saudi athletes: disciplined, global, and driven to lead. Outside the ring, Zizo continues to shape Saudi Arabia’s evolving sports and entertainment landscape, paving the way for future champions across the region.

 

0:00 Intro

3:12 Vision 2030’s role in boxing

6:14 Facing top-ranked opponents

7:51 Mindset: focus on next win

10:04 Impact on global boxing

12:31 Reviving boxing’s golden era

15:00 Saudi intervention in sport

18:13 Why I chose boxing

26:23 Saudi hospitality

32:35 Power of positive self-talk

37:54 Reframing negative thoughts

44:16 What true patience means

59:08 Lessons from my father

1:02:04 Viewing pressure as privilege

1:05:31 Defining success and legacy


Hosted by Mo Islam, The Mo Show is a conversation held in English, rooted in the daily rhythms and broader narratives of life in Saudi Arabia. This podcast moves beyond headlines to explore the textures of local society and the diverse cultural currents shaping the region. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair for a candid discussion, where personal stories and thoughtful observations reveal the complexities and warmth of a community in flux. You’ll hear from a variety of voices-locals and long-term residents, artists and entrepreneurs, everyday people with compelling perspectives-all contributing to a richer, more nuanced picture. The conversations are unscripted and meandering in the best way, often uncovering unexpected connections between tradition and modernity, or between individual dreams and collective identity. Tuning into this podcast offers a genuine sense of place, a listening experience that feels both intimate and expansive. It’s for anyone curious about the human stories behind the social and cultural evolution within the Kingdom, presented not as a lecture but as an ongoing, engaging dialogue.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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