By: Sean Crose
By all accounts, Lebanon is an ancient and physically beautiful country. Unfortunately, the nation is also a land with many hardships. However, people from troubled lands often have deep ties to their communities of origin, for through a sense of solidarity one can find strength. This is certainly the case for Lebanese super-middleweight Nadim Salloum. A colorful, very likable guy, 8-1 Salloum attracts a lot of Lebanese supporters whenever and wherever he is. With that in mind, there is sure to be a high percentage of Lebanese fans in attendance this Thursday at Sony Hall in Times Square, as that’s when Salloum will beat Leandro Capozucco undefeated 4-0 in a scheduled 6-round match.
Indeed, Salloum’s Lebanese fans tend to come from as far away as Montreal and Miami to watch Salloum play. “We have a difficult country.” he says. This fact is part of the reason why Salloum is a man on duty. In his own words, the 28-year-old wanted to present “something that gives us hope.” What’s really interesting about Salloum, though, is that he wants his reach to extend beyond his own Lebanese. His message is a simple one. “You can dream no matter where you come from.” He believes that is true for everyone. For example, Lebanon is not known for boxing. In fact, Salloum is the world’s first Lebanese boxer born and raised in recent memory (at least).
“I have the right to be whatever I want,” he said. However, to achieve his dream, the man must keep winning in the ring. It’s not that he lacks determination. Salloum has literally traveled the world to become a high-level professional boxer. His first stop was Mexico. “I live at a boxing gym in Mexico City,” he said. “I’m willing to live on the street.” Salloum went to the states to be exact, to the Los Angeles boxing center. Now, he says, “I’m in New York most of the time.” Another boxing hotspot.
One thing that stands out about Salloum is the fact he’s a naturally colorful guy, the type who can tell the same boring story you’ve heard from other people a million times before, but let’s make it become interesting. That kind of skillful communication is a gift – and one that’s especially valuable to boxers who work hard in the trade hoping to get serious attention. “I was born that way,” says Salloum of his striking, optimistic personality. Now, in the “city that never sleeps,” Salloum feels like a righteous at home. “I’m in goddamn New York City, man!” he exclaimed excitedly.
In fact, there are many things for Salloum to be pleased with at the moment. Not only has the limelight extended around him, he has a whole nation behind him. “Imagine,” he said of his fan base, “when I was fighting for a world title.”
*Full disclosure – Boxing insiderwhere this article was published, is a promotional outlet behind Thursdays New beginnings Card.
