The tragic death of Jordanian boxer Rashed Al-Swaisat has denied our sport and the world a great athlete and a great man. AIBA’s thoughts remain with his family and friends at this difficult time.
Born in Amman in 2002, Rashed started his sporting journey as a taekwondo athlete at only five years old. Together with his father’s help, he rose through the ranks, belt by belt, until he earned his black belt in 2012. Rashed was a natural-born fighter, he participated in many taekwondo championships but always knew boxing was his true passion.
At the age of 13 he joined Jordan’s Boxing School, and within two years his talent had been recognised such that he was selected to represent his nation on the international stage. He attended the Puerto Princesa 2017 ASBC Asian Junior Boxing Championships where he proved himself to be a worthy competitor, reaching the quarter-finals.
Rashed proceeded to make his way to the 2019 Arab Youth Boxing Championships in Cairo, Egypt, where he once again fought his way up to the quarter-finals.
After moving up to the light heavyweight class, he represented Jordan at the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Kielce, Poland where a tragic accident cut short what would have been a very promising career and a bright future.
Rashed was not only an athlete but was a very talented young man, with many dreams which extended beyond the world of sport. He was a gifted actor and gave a thrilling performance in the lead role as a villain in his school play, which even earned him TV and media attention. He rehearsed after school hours, while still maintaining his boxing training. Rashed wanted to continue with acting throughout his college years, but sadly never had the chance to.
Rashed had taken painting classes since kindergarten as part of his school curriculum. It became another favourite hobby of his. After years of practicing and keeping his talent a secret, he placed second in a competition and won a national award presented by the Chinese embassy. Rashed was always a multi-talented young man.
Rashed’s education was of utmost importance to him. He was awarded a scholarship to attend the Jordan University to study physical education. He had plans to establish his own gym and therapy studio. And he wanted to be able to offer help to less fortunate athletes to stay healthy on their way to achieving their dreams.
Rashed was a hopeful, ambitious and driven young man. His loss has brought immense pain for his family, friends and boxing community. He was a force for good, and had so much more to share with the world. Rashed Al-Swaisat will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
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