Franco-Moroccan Boxer Samir Ziani Finds New Passion in Morocco’s World Cup Success

Samir Ziani now loves to watch football on television. This love for the round ball was sparked in him by the Moroccan national team, thanks in particular to their good performances at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. He followed with great emotion the elimination of La Roja by the Atlas Lions in the round of 16 on Tuesday. "I’m not very much into football in general. I usually have a hard time watching sports on TV, even when it’s boxing. But the Moroccan team has reconciled me with the round ball. What’s happening at this World Cup is historic. It’s the first time in my life that I watch a full match. This match was very tactical and it made me think of a boxing match," confides to La Dépêche du Midi the Franco-Moroccan boxer from Villeneuve-sur-Lot, before expressing "his joy and pride for his country of origin."

After their historic victory against Spain, Morocco will face Portugal in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Samir can’t wait to watch this match at home in Villeneuve-sur-Lot. "We’ll watch it at my place. I’ve invited partners, some of whom are Portuguese. It will be an opportunity to tease each other and have a good time. Sport is festive. And even if Morocco loses, what they have accomplished is exceptional." However, he says he dreads a match between Morocco and France if the protégés of Walid Regragui qualify for the semi-finals. "It’s too hard for me to choose between my two countries," admits the one who is preparing for his next fight scheduled for Saturday, December 17 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. "I won’t watch the match, I’ll go for a walk."