Boxing is not just about throwing punches; it’s about enduring, adapting, and overcoming—both physically and mentally. One fighter who exemplifies this in every way is (20-3-1) Professional boxer and world title challenger, Alex Dilmaghani. Known up and down the UK for his broad skillset and willingness to step out of his comfort zone, Alex has proven himself inside and outside the ring. In this blog, we’ll explore his journey through the sport, how he shaped his mentality, and the key moments that define his career.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Dilmaghani, born and raised in the UK, developed an early passion for boxing, though he initially regarded it more as a hobby than a serious career path. It was only as a young man, after making the bold decision to relocate to Mexico for training, that he fully committed to his craft. Now based in Manchester, England, Alex has honed his skills across several countries, including Mexico, Canada, and the USA. In Mexico, he immersed himself in the rigorous world of boxing, training under the guidance of renowned coach Nacho Beristáin. This experience not only sharpened his technical abilities but also strengthened him mentally, shaping him into the fighter he is today.
Mental and Technical Strength
When reflecting on how his early days in boxing shaped him, Alex said, “I kind of looked at boxing as a hobby until I decided to move to Mexico to take things more seriously.” This shift in mindset was the catalyst for his transformation as a fighter. Witnessing the dedication and preparation required to excel at the highest levels, Alex began to thrive.
Boxing is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one - but those aren't the only fights. Alex highlights that, in his opinion, one of the toughest aspects of boxing is the political side—something many don’t see or consider. Despite the politics, it’s the love for the sport and constant improvement that keeps him motivated. His ability to maintain consistency through tough times, as he notes, comes from mental toughness: “You just have to be in love with the process.”
The Toughest Fight: Against Samir Ziani
When asked about the fight that pushed him to his absolute limits, Alex is quick to mention his bout against Samir Ziani. “The toughest fight I’ve had was against Samir Ziani. Not only the strange, eerie atmosphere of boxing in a studio, but the constant pace it was at.” The fight was a war of attrition, with both fighters maintaining a breakneck pace from the first to the last round. Alex acknowledged Ziani as the only opponent who could match his high punch output, making the fight one of the most grueling challenges he has ever faced.
Yet, as with all of his bouts, Alex adapted mid-fight and dug deep, refusing to quit. This resilience in the face of adversity is a hallmark of his boxing style. “There will never be any quit in me,” he declares, illustrating his relentless determination.
Breaking Through to a New Level
For many fighters, there’s a moment when everything clicks, and they know they’ve reached a new level. For Alex, that moment came during his fight with Francisco Fonseca. Fonseca was a seasoned opponent who had recently faced top-tier fighters like Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Tevin Farmer. By stepping up and competing at a higher level, Alex knew he had reached new heights as a boxer.
Mental Strategy and Dealing with Pressure
Many fighters approach boxing with intricate mental strategies, but for Alex, simplicity works best. He sees each fight as just that—a fight. “We go in there and give our all,” he says. This straightforward approach helps him maintain focus, even when facing high level opponents or performing in front of large crowds.
Despite the physical and mental exhaustion that comes with the sport, Alex doesn’t allow pressure to affect his performance. “The hard work is in the gym,” he notes, emphasizing that by the time fight night comes around, he has already done the hard part.
Navigating the Challenges of Boxing
Though mental fortitude is a recurring theme in Alex’s career, he’s quick to point out that, as mentioned previously, the hardest part of boxing isn’t the physical training or even the fights—it’s the politics of the sport. He admits that while dealing with politics can be draining, the key is accepting that every profession has its drawbacks. “99% of people have jobs they don’t want to be in or have to put up with things they don’t want to do,” he explains, highlighting his pragmatic approach to the challenges of boxing.
For younger boxers who face setbacks, Alex offers wise advice: “It’s cliché to say a minor setback for a major comeback, but it’s very true.” He emphasizes the importance of learning from both defeats and narrow victories. Improvement, he believes, is the real measure of success - something you can only achieve by consistently challenging yourself and stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Conclusion
As a young pro, I shared the ring with Alex (who was also early in his career), sparring for a few rounds at Wayne Batten's gym in Southampton. He was very skilful and demonstrated exceptional conditioning. I was also lucky enough to box on a show that he boxed on. Alex is a great guy who has been in the sport as a professional since his debut in 2009 - longevity far beyond that of many professionals, testament to his commitment. He has travelled the world, shared the ring with some exceptional boxers in sparring and competition and proven that he will take on any and all comers. For me, Alex is a fantastic example to young professionals of what can be achieved if you're willing to push yourself, take on challenges and maintain the mental fortitude and strength of character to pursue your dreams in the face of any setbacks.
If you're interested in learning more, you can find Alex on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/alex_dilmaghani/
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