Moroccan Boxers Flee to Poland, Expose Alleged Dysfunction in National Boxing Program

In a video posted on social media, the boxers Reda Bouyahyaoui (60 kg) and Ilyas Belmlih (75 kg) tried to explain the motivations that led them to leave the national team that was taking part in the junior boxing world championships in Poland. According to the daily Al Akhbar, far from the excuses and resentments that some of the two runaways expected, Ilyas Belmlih declared that he assumes his act and argues that the situation of boxers in Morocco is most critical.

According to him, they are not entitled to any financial support and the prospects for a professional career worthy of the name are not very bright. "We want to inform the Moroccans that we did not flee out of fear of facing superior opponents, but because of the lack of recognition despite the victories we have won against our opponents, who themselves benefit from the best conditions to become real champions."

The two boxers accuse the officials of the discipline for whom they are only useful and important when there is a competition. Despite the victories to their credit, they claim to be unable to make a living from their sport, and add that often they do not even have enough to buy new boxing gloves. Reda Bouyahyaoui goes further and accuses the administrative management of incompetence and responsible for this situation. For the boxer, the mistreatment starts with the technicians before reaching the boxers. He also announced his intention to continue practicing boxing in Europe with the hope of winning the Olympic title at the 2024 Olympics.

In the video posted on social media, Reda also encouraged young people to focus on their studies even if they aspire to a career in the sports world. His case is a real school, according to his words, since he had left school at the age of 14 to find himself a few years later unable to find a job and provide for his needs.