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Saudi Times Magazine Issue: Sept 2025
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The Saudi Times Magazine | Figure of the Month: Ziyad “Zizo” Almaayouf – A Champion’s Vision for Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Times Magazine | Figure of the Month: Ziyad “Zizo” Almaayouf – A Champion’s Vision for Saudi Arabia
Special Feature
Interviewed & published by: Boudou Gueffai | Editor-in-Chief
Issue No. 17 – The Saudi Times Magazine – Figure of the Month : Ziyad “Zizo” Almaayouf
The Saudi Times Magazine places special emphasis on covering prominent leaders, renowned celebrities, and distinguished events. It offers a unique and comprehensive insight into the world of business through exclusive interviews with exceptional entrepreneurs and detailed reports on leading companies and current economic trends. The magazine also highlights major cultural and social events that capture attention both within Saudi Arabia and internationally.
Furthermore, the magazine sheds light on the lives of celebrities and influential figures across various fields such as art, sports, culture, and fashion through exclusive interviews and in-depth features. The Saudi Times delivers a high-level reading experience, offering readers a window into the world of luxury and entertainment.
Ziyad “Zizo” Almaayouf
Throwing Punches and Breaking Barriers for Saudi Boxing
Boxing Champion Breaking Barriers: Ziyad ‘Zizo’ Almaayouf’s Latest Journey as
a Visionary Leader in Promoting Wellbeing and Advancing Saudi Boxing and Entertainment
Exclusive Interview
“As Saudi Arabia cements its status as boxing’s new global hub, from Riyadh Season spectacles to grassroots talent pipelines, one name embodies this rise: Ziyad ‘Zizo’ Almaayouf.”The Kingdom’s first professional boxing winner, 25-year-old Zizo isn’t just winning fights; he’s carrying a nation’s sporting dreams. The Saudi Times sat down with the trailblazer fresh off his TED Talk to discuss history, hype, and how Saudi’s support fuels his quest to become its greatest athlete.”
Ziyad “Zizo” Almaayouf
Throwing Punches and Breaking Barriers for Saudi Boxing
Boxing Champion Breaking Barriers: Ziyad ‘Zizo’ Almaayouf’s Latest Journey as
a Visionary Leader in Promoting Wellbeing and Advancing Saudi Boxing and Entertainment
Exclusive Interview
“As Saudi Arabia cements its status as boxing’s new global hub, from Riyadh Season spectacles to grassroots talent pipelines, one name embodies this rise: Ziyad ‘Zizo’ Almaayouf.”The Kingdom’s first professional boxing winner, 25-year-old Zizo isn’t just winning fights; he’s carrying a nation’s sporting dreams. The Saudi Times sat down with the trailblazer fresh off his TED Talk to discuss history, hype, and how Saudi’s support fuels his quest to become its greatest athlete.”
Exclusive Interview with
Ziyad "Zizo" Almaayouf
A Champion's Vision for Saudi Arabia
In this exclusive interview, The Saudi Times had the privilege of sitting down with Ziyad “Zizo” Almaayouf, the Kingdom’s shining star in the world of sports and Saudi Arabia’s first professional boxing champion. Zizo’s journey is not just about victories in the boxing ring; it’s a testament to the power of inspiration, hard work, and solid determination. As he shares his story, we witness how he is paving the way for future generations and putting Saudi Arabia on the map as a global hub for entertainment and sports.
Zizo opened up about his profound passion for boxing, a sport that embodies discipline and resilience. He spoke openly about how the mental aspect of the game has transformed his approach, allowing him to harness his inner strength and well-being. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that success is not solely defined by titles but by the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.
The Kingdom’s first professional boxing winner, 25-year-old Zizo isn’t just winning fights; he’s carrying a nation’s sporting dreams
While boxing is often associated with a tough, macho persona, Zizo revealed a more reflective and visionary side that sets him apart. His aspirations reach far beyond personal praises; he is deeply committed to elevating the sports ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Zizo articulated a profound belief that true greatness lies in inspiring others and nurturing the next generation of talent. “I want to create a legacy that goes beyond winning fights,” he expressed with enthusiasm. “It’s about providing state-of-the-art facilities for both mental and physical development for elite athletes.” His vision reflects a dedication to fostering an environment where future champions can thrive, showcasing his understanding that the impact of a true champion extends well beyond the ring.
“The boundaries we have in our life are not the physical boundaries -but they’re always the mental boundaries. We often create the boundaries that limit us” – Zizo said during his latest TED Talk
During the interview, it was clear to feel Zizo’s desire to become a spokesperson for Saudi Arabia, elevating boxing and entertainment while paving the way for the future of elite sport in the Kingdom. He emphasized, “I don’t want to just win; I want to do more for the industry, for Saudi Arabia, and, most importantly, for the sports ecosystem.” He eloquently spoke about the power of the mind, sharing insights from his preparation for his fight against Mexico’s José Alfredo Alatorre. He utilized visualization to immerse himself in the moment and acclimate to the environment he desired for the best outcome, which was knocking his opponent out in the first round. Remarkably, that is exactly what transpired. His academic background in psychology not only reinforces his understanding of the mind but also fuels his motivation to continue his studies, aiming to help athletes grasp the significance of mental strength in training and competition.
Zizo stated, “The current transformation of Saudi Arabia is bringing world-class events to the Kingdom in the boxing and entertainment industry. When I was a kid, I didn’t have the opportunity to see world-class events in Saudi Arabia or interact with real athletes. That makes a big difference in empowering and inspiring the younger generation to pursue sports. Today, the future generation has that opportunity, thanks to the Kingdom and the visionary leadership of Crown Prince H.R.H. Prince Mohamed bin Salman behind Vision 2030. The Saudi people have always been ready to innovate and embrace sudden change—we have the green light from our Crown Prince MBS.”
When asked to Reflect on his personal journey,
he stated, “With isolation comes elevation.”
When asked to Reflect on his personal journey,
he stated, “With isolation comes elevation.”
Ziyad "Zizo" Almaayouf
When Training with Buddy McGirt, You’re Training with the Best
He has had the privilege of working with the best coach in the world, the legendary Buddy McGirt, a defensive coach who taught him how to train like a champion and be the best in the world. Zizo believes that Saudi Arabia is among the top destinations for fighters, making the Kingdom a preferred choice for major matches over other venues.
Zizo told The Saudi Times, “I’m thrilled to see H.E. Turki Al Shaikh’s vision to revive boxing and sports. Under his leadership, we are not just winning; we are setting up viewing records in world-class arenas in Las Vegas.” His trip with H.E. Turki Al Shaikh in London will forever be etched in his memory, especially following his victory over his counterpart, boxer Ronald Martinez. He also recalled his victory over Bulgarian opponent Georgi Velshkov in the opening matches at the O2 Arena in the British capital, as well as his knockout win against José Alfredo Alatorre during the historic Red Sea fight in Jeddah. Zizo is dedicated to supporting the government in empowering the future talent of Saudi Arabia. “I want to build talent, living the Saudi dream together for Saudi kids and share it with the world,” he stated. Zizo expressed pride in being Saudi and representing the Kingdom on the global stage.
Pioneering the Future of Saudi Sports
The Saudi Times believes that Zizo’s gloves are his credentials for the future, especially with the massive investment from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) for a multibillion-dollar global league and the establishment of a new global boxing entity in partnership with TKO and Sela. When Zizo speaks about Saudi Arabia’s rise in the sports world, the world listens. His historic victory in August 2022 marked a significant milestone for Saudi boxing, highlighting the Kingdom’s evolving sporting landscape.
The support he has received from his country has been essential in his journey, and he spoke with immense gratitude for the investments being made in sports. “It’s about building a solid foundation for sports in our country, and I’m proud to be part of this transformation,” he said. His win in Jeddah resonated deeply within the community, serving as a beacon of hope for local youth who now see clear pathways to success in sports. “I hope my story encourages them to pursue their dreams, no matter how challenging the journey may seem,” he added.
Every Punch for a Nation’s Future
During the interview, it was apparent that Zizo possesses a focused intensity, embodying a man carrying a nation’s dreams on his shoulders. When speaking with Zizo, there is a sense that every punch he throws in the ring is for Saudi Arabia’s future. His innovative ideas about bringing specialized facilities to focus on the power of the mind further demonstrate his forward-thinking approach. He’s envisioning world-class facilities and attracting big names for events, architecting a blueprint for Saudi athletic greatness in this transformative era the Kingdom is experiencing.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Recently, Zizo had the extraordinary opportunity to share his insights on the main stage at TEDx Riyadh, addressing thousands of eager listeners. “Being invited to give a TED Talk is a reminder that our true purpose and achievements are measured by the lives and hearts we touch,” he reflected. He voiced a powerful philosophy: “I’ve always said I love the greatness, history, and achievements in boxing, but in the end, it’s not the impact inside the ring that defines history; it’s the impact you leave on people outside the ring. The way you inspire others to believe in their own journey lasts far beyond any career or any sport.”
Aiming for Olympic Glory
Looking toward the future, Zizo’s ambitions are both inspiring and profound. He is firm in his quest to become the first Saudi world champion boxer, declaring, “That’s my ultimate goal to put Saudi Arabia on the global boxing map.” In addition to this, he aims to promote Saudi Arabia and its investments in sports and entertainment, positioning himself as a proud spokesperson for the Kingdom.
Zizo’s commitment to the power of the mind and the emotional well-being of athletes is underscored by his plans to pursue a coaching master’s degree in psychology. “Understanding the mental aspect of sports is crucial,” he noted. “I want to help athletes navigate the pressures they face and perform at their best.” His vision extends to building a robust sports ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, one that supports the development of future talents across various fields. “We need more partnerships and sponsorships to elevate our athletes to the international stage. With the right resources and support, I believe we can achieve great things,” he emphasized.
His aspirations include not only personal glory but also the hope that Saudi athletes will compete and succeed at the Olympic level. “Bringing home Olympic medals would be a dream come true not just for me but for all of Saudi Arabia,” he declared, his passion for his country evident in every word. With the Olympics set to take place in Los Angeles in 2028, Zizo is determined to help pave the way for Saudi athletes to shine on this grand stage.
Zizo doesn’t stop in the ring. In recent fashion events in the capital of the Kingdom, where many international fashion designers took the stage, our rising star took the spotlight with style, elegance, and character. As he continues to excel in both sports and fashion, Zizo is not just a role model for aspiring athletes but also an inspiration for those looking to express themselves through style. His journey reflects the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia, where athleticism and creativity intertwine, paving the way for a new generation of multifaceted talents.
As Zizo continues to break barriers and pave the way for future generations, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the massive potential within Saudi Arabia’s athletes.
The Saudi Times proudly crowns Zizo as the Personality of the Month, Fashion Icon, and Leader of the Month. With unwavering dedication and the right support, the Kingdom is set to emerge as a formidable force in the global sports arena. Ziyad Almaayouf stands at the forefront of this exciting evolution, inspiring countless individuals to dream big, embrace their passions, and forge their own paths to success.
Stay connected with The Saudi Times for more exclusive interviews and insights into the remarkable stories of remarkable leaders shaping our Kingdom’s future.
