Omar Sellami is spearheading a transformative shift in Moroccan professional boxing. With the inaugural Empire Fight Morocco set for July 25, 2026, at the Salle Couverte Al Bachir in Mohammedia, Sellami aims to strengthen ties with France. His vision is to rekindle international matchups, providing fighters the opportunity to challenge themselves in a tournament-like setting.
This first edition will feature 20 bouts, including 5 amateur, 6 semi-professional, and 10 professional competitions, involving 40 athletes from countries like Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, France, and Morocco. Designed to be inclusive, the event spans various muay thai and K1 categories for men and women of all ages.
«Four women’s fights are on the program. In all my events, whether in Europe or elsewhere, I have always included women because they truly belong in boxing. Featuring them in the ring showcases the sport’s inclusivity, offering them a platform for expression and participation», Omar Sellami shared with Yabiladi.
In a remarkable gesture, the event’s initiator will also enter the ring, serving as an inspiration for the young fighters under his mentorship.
Nurturing Boxing Skills and Values
Sellami, a former boxer and K1 world champion, is dedicated to inclusivity even beyond the spotlight. In France, his club, Empire Fight Gym, boasts a 30% female membership. Boxing isn’t just a hobby for these women. «They train with professional ambitions, evident in one of them becoming the French champion. Their motivation is strong», Omar Sellami explained.
With boxing embodying the noble values of respect and transmission, Sellami envisions it as a platform for both performance and sharing. Having juggled various jobs to support himself, he built a 15-year boxing career, achieving 69 wins out of 87 fights and earning numerous titles.
Sellami captured the French Cup in 2007, became French hopefuls champion in 2013, and claimed the French elite champion title in 2016. Globally, he earned the WBC European title in 2017 and the ISKA K1 world championship in 2021. Now, he strives to inspire upcoming champions with his journey.
«Boxing is challenging — physically, mentally, and financially», says Sellami, who instills this understanding in his members to cultivate resilience and success while learning to embrace and learn from failure. He believes «hardship is what shapes a boxer».
«I experienced this myself. I was very thin when I started. I faced ridicule from peers, but knocking out opponents boosted my confidence. A significant career moment was when my sister, who was at my ringside, passed away shortly after a fight. Her voice stayed with me, instilling a fighter’s mindset.»
Omar Sellami
Decisive encounters with mentors also shaped Sellami’s career. «I began with Farid Limane in Sochaux. Through my amateur and semi-professional phases, I was unbeaten except for one defeat. Together, we clinched a French championship», he fondly recalls. Before boxing, he played football from six and tennis until 17.
Elevating Young Fighters
Upon moving to Nancy, Sellami joined Gabriel Hennion’s team, winning the WBC European title and a runner-up spot in the French FNP championship. His mentor and a protégé have been invited to Empire Fight Morocco. With Mounir Settoul, he won the K1 world championship.
Throughout his career, Sellami found inspiration in Moroccan athletes he admired. «In tennis, it was Hicham Arazi. I was influenced by Hicham El Guerrouj in athletics and Youssef Hadji in football, especially during Morocco’s 1998 World Cup match against Brazil», he recalls. He was also drawn to martial arts film icons from the 1990s.
After attaining various titles, familial responsibilities prompted Omar Sellami to transition from the ring to balance his professional and family life. «After 15 years in a demanding sport, the injuries linger, and eventually, a career must evolve», explains Sellami, who opened his club in 2022.
Since then, he has focused on his gym and fighters. «Two are professionals, including IFNT Muay Thai European champion Oumar Dialo, and Dehan Bensedira, the WMC European champion, French champion, and intercontinental champion», he states proudly.
Partnering with Moroccan professionals Ayoub El Khaidar and Hakim Ait Hma, Sellami has initiated events in Morocco. Supported by the Royal Moroccan Federation of Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Savate, and Related Sports, he aims to develop Morocco’s combat sports, capitalizing on the country’s «great potential».