Fahima Falaknaz is the UAE’s first female boxer, and she has continued to inspire and encourage other women to take up the sport since representing her country alongside Hanan Ibrahim al Zyodi at the Asian Women’s Boxing Championship in 2019. Fahima has made a bold move by opening up her skill set to the public by teaching women-only boxing classes at the Real Boxing Only Gym in Al Quoz, Dubai.
Muslim female boxers were previously prohibited from competing in their hijabs, but that rule has since been lifted, and boxers like Fahima Falaknaz have returned to the ring. “I am grateful that I have access to this sport,” she said, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in boxing.
Now, wanting to share her experience, knowledge and skill, the history making Emirati boxer added, “Boxing isn’t about fighting. It is about becoming better than you were and learning the self-discipline to be that person every day, to focus on your own power.”
Fahima is making the sport accessible and empowering those who want to learn by teaching classes to other women like herself. “Personaly, I am excited as my mission has been to make boxing accessible for everyone – no one should be unable to box,” Michelle Kuehn, the Managing Director of the Real Boxing Only Gym, says of Fahima’s addition. The Real Boxing Only Gym will host ladies-only classes every Saturday. To reserve a spot, attendees can book online or call 04 272 7774.