Built in the Ring: Hamza Abedrabo’s Fight for Progress and Purpose

Abedrabo is seen with blood gushing out of his eye.

Hamza Abedrabo is helping reshape the narrative of boxing in Northeast Ohio.

He first stepped into the ring in 2017 at 17 years old with one goal: to lose weight. But in the process, he discovered a passion that changed his life.

Abedrabo's daily grind is no joke. He runs six miles five days a week, rests, and then heads to The Fight Factory of Cleveland, where he trains from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. most evenings. When he’s not training, he’s coaching others.

“Boxing is bigger than just fighting. Boxing, you create real good connections…It’s bigger than boxing,” Abedrabo said.

His biggest inspiration is “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler — a boxing legend whose journey Abedrabo relates to deeply. Abedrabo explained, “...he came up and climbed the ranks and built himself and I thought that was real motivational for me. I thought if he can do it, I can do it.”

While many athletes are driven by fame or money, Abedrabo has come to understand that his true motivation is growth. He explained, “I used to think it was money, but I realized it’s progress in life.”

He also sees a bright future for the local fight scene. Abedrabo said, “...The boxing scene in Northeast Ohio is real good, real connected and I could see some upcoming champs in the real near future.”

Boxing, though, is never easy. It’s a sport of adversity, and Abedrabo doesn’t sugarcoat it for those just starting. He said, “...You’re gonna have bad days. More than one, more than two, more than 10. You’re gonna have a lotta bad days but once you start winning some amateur fights and you get some stuff going and you feel like something’s going your way you’ll fall in love with boxing and it’ll fall in love with you back.”

Abedrabo lands a punch.

At 24 years old, Abedrabo is determined  to become a World Champion by 30. But beyond personal glory, his ambitions are rooted in community impact. He dreams of opening a gym — one that’s free and accessible to kids in the community, helping guide them away from the streets and toward a better future.

He’s already making a difference as a trainer, but he’s thinking even bigger.

Boxing has had a profound impact on his personal development, too. Abedrabo mentioned, “...It’s helped me just get a sense of even leadership, helpin’ people lead them to train better, get their mind right, better leadership goals and just make me feel satisfaction, life satisfaction…so boxing’s helped me a lot.”

Since his professional debut on October 28, 2023, Abedrabo has compiled a 5-1 record. His next fight is July 19, 2025 in Cleveland — a chance for him to continue writing his own story and elevating the boxing scene in Northeast Ohio.

Abedrabo celebrates his War on the Shore Title.

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Instagram: @princehamzyy