MEET OUR CHAMP – UDAI ABU HASSWEH
Oct 20, 2019
Udai Abu Hassweh is one of the most outstanding athletes of his generation, having won a
world title in Kickboxing. We caught up with him this week to har all about his career and what he hopes to achieve next.
Why did you choose Kickboxing?
I have loved Martial Arts since I was kid when I started my career with Taekwondo before my dad encouraged me to practice Kickboxing. I fell in love with the sport straight away.
When did you first compete in an international competition?
It was in 2004 at the Arab Championships. I won silver and it felt so different as it was my first achievement and I was so proud to be on the podium. It was at that time I decided to thrown myself completely into the sport.
You won a World Title, tell us about it…
I actually won two world titles. The first one was in 2011 in Ireland, and the second one was in 2017 in Hungary. Being on the top of the World is an exceptional feeling and I am so happy to have won it twice. These titles encouraged me to do more and to train harder to stay at the top.
How will you prepare for the next World Championship?
Reaching the top is one thing, but remaining there is the toughest. Next year in Turkey I will fight till the end to try and win the title for the third time in my career. It is a fabulous feeling being world champion and I want to experience that again.
What is your biggest moment?
Receiving a congratulations letter from the Crown Prince after winning the last World Championship was special. It made me realise what I had achieved and how important it was for Jordan. It made me cry.
Away from the world titles, what stands out from your career?
It was in 2007 when I participated in the Asian Kickboxing Championships as the youngest player. At that time, I beat four champions and it was a shock for everyone. I remember how the delegation celebrated with me even though I didn’t win medal.
Who is your Idol?
The Moroccan fighter Bader Hari. He has a unique style in fighting and has remained at the top for a long time.
