- As drugs tear Oldham families apart, Aqib Aziz inspires youth
- Undefeated boxer opens his gym for all ages, faiths, backgrounds
- Successful boxing club keeps teens off the street
Recovering from drug abuse, Oldham undefeated Muslim boxer Aqib Fiaz is taking on a mission to help youth stay away from drugs’ problem that is tearing the city’s families apart.
The boxer, who has had 11 victories and remains undefeated in the ring, has turned Nxt Gen ABC gym into a beacon of hope to give inclusive classes for people of all ages and backgrounds.
“In our community, drug abuse is rife. We need to set up activities which youngsters can engage in rather than spending time on street corners and getting up to no good,” he told The Oldham Times.
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“We need more youth centers, football clubs and regular extra-curricular activities.
“Kids now have someone to look up to. When I was growing up I didn’t have a positive role model. It was something I didn’t really understand before turning professional.
“I want to give back to the youngsters in my area. I want to be an inspirational role model and give them hope that if I can do it then they can do it too. It is a lot of pressure for someone of my age.”
New Role Models
Starting boxing at the age of 8, Fiaz says drug dealers usually impressed youngsters with their fancy cars and expensive clothes.
“I used to think these guys have worked hard to get these things. Many of my childhood friends take drugs. Boxing definitely kept me out of trouble. I never thought I could do as well as I have done,” he said.
“Majority of our 200 members are Asian but we do have some white and black kids too. Exercise is good for mental as well as physical health. We want to give everyone a chance.”
His brother Asim, now head coach at NextGen ABC, opened the gym four years ago. he has big dreams for a better future in the city.
“With new role models like Aqib people know there are other ways to live well such as having a good job or through sport – not just through drug dealing,” Asim said.
“We now have role models who are successful athletes, successful businessmen, and just hard working people in general like my father who had three jobs while we were growing up.
“Having a boxing club in the area has definitely helped to keep kids off the streets and away from substance abuse and drug dealers.”
Islam takes an uncompromising stand on alcohol and all intoxicants. It forbids Muslims from drinking or even selling alcohol.
The general rule in Islam is that any beverage that get people intoxicated when taken is unlawful, both in small and large quantities, whether it is alcohol, drugs, fermented raisin drink or something else.