🔗 Share this article

Zeina Nassar assembled her parents in their Berlin living room, notes in hand, to make a compelling case for her boxing aspirations.

Inspired by online footage of women boxers, the 13-year-old felt drawn to the rhythm and power of the sport.

"I kept replaying those clips," Nassar, aged 27, explains. "I felt certain that boxing was my path".

Nassar laid out her points like a budding attorney, passionately advocating for her boxing dreams.

"I highlighted how it would aid my academic attention, promised to use a girls-only facility close by, and noted boxing's core values of respect and discipline," she reflects.

While her parents were convinced, winning them over proved to be the easier part.

Born in Germany with Lebanese heritage, Nassar—a Muslim teen who proudly wore a hijab—soon discovered her biggest obstacle was outside her home.

Upon joining her neighborhood gym, she encountered rules barring hijabs in matches at both national and global levels, compelling her to fight for inclusion.

"They demanded I opt for my hijab or my athletic pursuit," she notes. "I questioned, why the forced choice? I'm not endangering others. All I desire is to box".

That drive to confront unfairness would come to shape her career.

This Wednesday, Nassar will wear her hijab and complete body attire during her pro debut in Pakistan, supported by iconic figure Roy Jones Jr. as her coach and guide.

She is thought to be the first, as no other high-profile examples exist of a professional woman boxing in a hijab, lending her debut added importance.

Quite an accomplishment for a child with a slideshow and a dream.

The Path Nassar Took to Change Boxing Rules While Wearing a Hijab

At only 14, Nassar played a key role in modifying German amateur boxing rules, enabling her to compete in long sleeves and a headscarf.

However, during her debut amateur bout, with excitement surging, she noticed the many eyes watching her.

"I noticed plenty of onlookers," she explains. "Several insisted I couldn't compete like this, and I said 'hold on, we just amended the rules'".

"I simply didn't get it—it should be about my skill and how I perform in the ring. Still, many opposed it".

Nassar succeeded in boxing and changed outlooks, becoming a repeated Berlin winner and national champion while staying faithful to her principles.

However, after an IBA invitation to the European Championships, she hit a new obstacle, with hijabs still prohibited at the global level.

Thus, at age 19, she started advocating for global rule changes.

"Germany didn't stand by me," she notes. "But I remained ambitious. I demanded the same equity as any athlete".

In 2019, the IBA ended the hijab restriction, and since Olympic boxing is managed by World Boxing, head coverings and full-body garments are accepted.

"Due to my work, any woman in amateur boxing can now box in a hijab and stay true to themselves," Nassar affirms. "That achievement is my proudest".

The Rules Surrounding Hijabs in Pro Boxing

Nassar's campaign reshaped amateur boxing, and by 2017, she gained notice from Nike, featuring in their new sports hijab lineup.

However, in the pro ranks, what are the guidelines? Is a hijab potentially hazardous? Could it offer an edge?

The WBO (World Boxing Organisation) delegates attire choices to local commissions, while the IBF (International Boxing Federation) has no explicit rules on religious headwear.

In the UK, the British Boxing Board of Control permits hijabs made for athletic use.

German Boxing Federation leader Oliver Wittmann notes scarce examples but voices anxiety about security and a hijab falling off in combat.

Nassar responds to Wittmann's remarks with her own background: "In about 100 amateur fights, it has never been an issue," she says.

Medical experts concur. "It's a non-issue," says Professor Mike Loosemore, who has served as Team GB's medical officer.

"Hijabs are made of lightweight, airy fabric," he stated. "I have no objection to individuals boxing in hijabs.

"They're safe and don't pose problems for the boxer or opponent".

The Unanticipated Choice of Pakistan for a Four-Day Boxing Tournament

Pakistan may not be a common site for world-class boxing, but upwards of 20,000 attendees are projected in Lahore for a four-day professional card.

With Punjab government backing, the tournament will showcase both homegrown and overseas boxers, like UK representatives Alex Dilmaghani, Jimmy Kelly, and James Metcalf.

Nassar expresses feeling "honored" to box in an Islamic state.

"Boxing is for everyone," adds Chris Glover, the Liverpudlian organizing the event. "If Zeina wishes to wear a hijab, she could wear a cowboy hat for all I care. She's a trailblazer".

By her side is Jones Jr., the former four-weight champ turned trainer, initially met by Nassar at an IBA function years back.

"I couldn't believe I was beside him," she laughs.

"He started teaching me moves, providing guidance, and we maintained communication. He's educated me greatly on movement, strength, and self-belief".

Nassar has established a bold objective to win a world championship in roughly half a dozen matches.

Given the obstacles she's overcome to get here, betting against her seems risky.