Faith, family. the fight for the very top - saad abdullah's rise.

SAAD ABDULLAH

Faith. Family. Legacy.

By Paul Fish

At just 21 years old, Saad Abdullah speaks with a calm certainty that feels earned rather than inherited. There’s no bravado, no noise — just clarity. Rooted in faith, driven by family, and focused on the long-term vision, boxing for Saad is about far more than titles. It’s about purpose.

We sat down to talk sacrifice, pressure, belief — and the road ahead.

Who is Saad Abdullah outside of boxing?

“My faith is everything to me. It gives me focus. I pray five times a day.”

One of six siblings, Saad sees himself first as a son and a brother.

“Being a role model to my brothers and sisters drives me. It’s for my family.”

Boxing may be the stage the public sees — but discipline, religion and responsibility shape the man behind the gloves.

How did boxing first come into your life?

“As a kid I struggled with insecurity because of my speech. The gym became my place of solace. From the very first punch, I knew.”

Saad’s father, Abbs — first took him to the gym when he was eight years old. By ten, on his birthday, Saad had joined Prince of Wales ABC in Grangetown. When that club closed, they moved to Roath Gym, and later to St Joseph’s ABC Amateur Boxing Club in Newport under Roger Williams.

It was there that the family story deepened.

“One day they were short of coaches,” Saad explains. “Roger Williams asked my dad to step in and help.”

What started as simply supporting his son became something much bigger. Abbs went on to qualify fully and now holds his professional boxing trainer’s licence — building his own path in the sport alongside his son.

It’s a father-and-son journey built on shared sacrifice.

When did you realise you were actually good?

“I was a gym rat,” Saad says. “But I lost my first three fights.”

There was no overnight breakthrough.

“I improved slowly. Late nights. Early mornings. Always learning.”

It wasn’t about being the most naturally talented in the room. It was about staying the course.

“I always had the long-term vision.”

What drives you?

“My faith gives me focus. I pray five times a day.”

One of six siblings, Saad carries responsibility with pride.

“Being a role model to my brothers and sisters drives me. It’s for my family. Every training session is for them.”

How do you deal with pressure?

“I thrive off it.”

While many fighters admit to nerves before a walkout, Saad sees things differently.

“I’ve already proved it to myself in camp. That’s where the real work is done.”

For him, boxing is expression.

“It’s a form of communication. When I fight, that’s me shouting.”

What does a normal training day look like for you?

“Structured. Disciplined.”

His dad’s words guide him: slow steps.

“It’s a marathon at the end of the day.”

He remembers the first time he was punched in the face — frustration, mixed emotions. Now it’s second nature. Experience has replaced reaction with control.

What’s the hardest part of being a young boxer?

“Sacrifice.”

While friends are at parties, Saad is competing — often representing Wales at the weekend.

“But I’ve got no regrets.”

Who inspired you growing up?

“My dad. Always there. All the sacrifices. Early mornings. Me on the bike behind him heading to training.”

He credits his Dad not just for support, but for honesty — pushing him to improve the parts of his game that didn’t come naturally.

What separates you from everyone else coming up?

“Consistency. In life, not just boxing.”

He saw fighters stronger than him. More naturally gifted. But when he lost his first three fights, he didn’t panic.

“I kept the long-term vision.”

That patience, he believes, is the difference.

What’s the ultimate target — British title, world title?

“The pinnacle. Multi-weight champion. Undisputed.”

But legacy goes deeper than belts.

“It goes back to religion. Good deeds. Who did you help? What did you stand for?”

Walkout song?

“I mix it up depending on the occasion and the camp.”

But one thing remains constant:

“When I’m in the zone, I’m in the zone.”

Sporting Icon?

Muhammad Ali — what did he represent to you?

“He fought for his beliefs. He stood for something bigger than boxing. He left a legacy beyond the sport.”

Would you compare yourself to anyone?

“No. I am Saad Abdullah. I just want to be me.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

“No pressure. It’s about the end goal.”

He smiles.

“No matter what, I’m going to make it — God willing.”

This final question I saved 'til last.....

Are we going to see you fighting for a world title at the Principality Stadium?

“100%. No two ways about it.”

This isn't just a fighter on the rise. It's a Father and Son team building something serious. If they stay on this path the rest of the division will have to deal with them.

Saad and his Father Abbs are so inspiring. To spend time in their company and to see their bond is magical to see. I consider them true friends and I intend to be with them on every step of their journey. Saad Abdullah on Facebook.