Photo/Illutration Mahdi Mirzad poses on Nov. 4 in Chiba’s Chuo Ward. (Photo by Mayuri Ito)

CHIBA--Mahdi Mirzad’s quest for a world boxing title got under way in Japan after he scored victories in two tough battles: getting his parents to accept his profession and learning the Japanese language.

Mirzad, 19, and family members came to Japan from Afghanistan three years ago to live with his father, who runs a secondhand car dealership in Chiba Prefecture. 

He gained his professional boxing license in July this year and is expected to debut in the super bantamweight division in 2022.

Mirzad wanted to become a boxer after watching Sylvester Stallone in “Rocky” in Afghanistan.

In his junior high school days, Mirzad visited a boxing gym with a friend and received a morale boost when staff there praised his “exceptional skills.”

He moved to Japan after graduating from junior high, bringing with him his desire to box.

However, his family opposed his plan to become a professional pugilist.

A retired Afghan boxer who was well accomplished in the ring helped Mirzad persuade his parents to drop their opposition.

Mirzad said the retired boxer is “my hero” and plans to emulate his fighting style.

He said Japan gives him a wider opportunity to fight for a world championship belt, but to compete here required many adjustments.

He said he learned the Japanese language by reading “Hajime no Ippo” (The first step), a Japanese boxing-themed manga by George Morikawa, and other means.

Mirzad attended night classes at a high school while working part time for money to finance his training.

His father’s health has deteriorated, so Mirzad now works at the car dealership with his elder brother on holidays and attends classes and trains at a gym on weekdays.

Although Mirzad is described by those around him as “gentle and fond of his family,” his face takes on a deadly serious look when he trains.

On the instructions of his trainer, Mirzad repeats the same move until he masters it.

“Unless I completely master all techniques, I will not be able to win,” he said.

He also develops a look of sadness and concern when he thinks about the difficulties facing people in his homeland, where the Taliban seized power again in August.

Mirzad, who is a member of an ethnic minority in Afghanistan, said the Taliban’s presence has made it difficult for him to return to the country.

“I want to offer financial support to help people’s lives by becoming a world champion,” he said.

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