The 25-year-old said fighting taught him “how to survive”
Boxer Maaz Bin Saud(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A man was “treated like an insect” in school until his dad suggested he take up a certain hobby. Maaz Bin Saud, from Wavertree, is now a professional boxer with his sights set on global success.
The 25-year-old’s journey began at just eight years old, when his dad introduced him to kickboxing. What started as a confidence-building activity quickly turned into a true passion. Between the ages of nine and 13, he competed in both kickboxing and boxing, before fully dedicating himself to boxing at 13.
His amateur career was nothing short of spectacular, with Maaz becoming a five-time World Kickboxing Champion. He also claimed titles as National Amateur Champion, Regional Champion, MTK Champion, and Manchester Boxcup Champion.
Maaz, from Wavertree, told the ECHO: “I was a skinny lad back in the day. I was bullied, I experienced racism, and I was often singled out. I used to be a timid, shy kid. I used to be treated like an insect; I was an easy target.
Boxer Maaz Bin Saud pictured on Liverpool Pier Head ahead of his fight this weekend(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“As time went on I started training and fighting and competing. It slowly built my character and I learned to stand up for myself. It taught me to survive.”
Though boxing is now Maaz’s profession, his parents set one clear condition: education came first. Honouring that commitment, he earned a law degree from Liverpool John Moores University before turning professional last year.
He said: “It was hectic juggling boxing, training, fighting and studying. But I managed it. My mum and dad sacrificed a lot for me to be where I am now. Time, money, prayers, their life basically.”
Maaz, who currently fights in the welterweight division, now trains at the Amir Khan gym in Bolton under the guidance of Bob Shannon, former coach to Ricky Hatton. He previously trained at Everton Red Triangle and No Limits Gym in Liverpool city centre, where he credits much of his early boxing development.
The boxer is preparing for his second professional bout on Saturday(Image: Liverpool Echo)
On May 31, Maaz was victorious in his first professional bout against Ukrainian fighter Mykhailo Sovtus. He said: “He was a very tough opponent but I came out with a strong win. The guy was swinging bombs that were meant for Russia.
“When my name was called out, it felt really good. It felt like it was meant to be called out. I knew with all the work I did with my trainer that I’d go out there and perform good and take home the win.”
The boxer is preparing for his second professional bout on Saturday, August 30 at Middleton Arena, Manchester. Despite his growing success, Maaz remains grounded, viewing each win as a “stepping stone.”
“I’ve fought both domestically and internationally. I’ve trained alongside top-level pros like Tom Farrell. What keeps me going is that drive to be the best. I want to be the best in the world.
“It’s a dog-eat-dog world. You either let the world kick you down or you stand up and make a name for yourself, so no one will ever kick you down again.”