Syrian Kurdish boxer wins German boxing championship

BERLIN, Germany (Kurdistan24) – On Saturday, a Syrian Kurdish boxer won a national boxing championship in Germany which was held in the country’s western city of Cologne, adding to his record of several awards in international championships.

In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24, Baker Barakat, a 35-year-old German boxer of Syrian Kurdish origin, known as Mr. Energy, talked about his early life in Syria and Germany. He also discussed his achievements in the sport of boxing and kickboxing, including his records, championships and awards.

“I left Syria with my family when I was 5-years-old, and at the age of 7 my family and I discovered my talent and interest in kickboxing and they supported me,” he said.

Barakat added that the most significant factor in his success in Germany and the international level lies in the encouragement and support he gained from his family in the early stages of his life.

“I started the sport of boxing from scratch, and now after 28 years of constant exercise, I am happy and proud of my record,” he said, pointing out that talent, practice, and professionalism are the keys to quality, efficiency, and success.

Regarding his records, championships and awards, Barakat said that he has played about 270 matches, won 210, lost 42 and drawn 28.

“I won seven international championships and more than 200 medals and cups,” he said.

Barakat added that he has a center for boxing and kickboxing training in Germany and that many well-known boxers in the country were his trainees.  

At the end of the conversation, Barakat expressed his pleasure for being interviewed by a media agent that speaks his mother tongue.

“I am proud of my Kurdish origin and culture, and I am more than impressed by having an interview on a Kurdish TV that broadcasts the life and culture of my original home,” he concluded.

Reporting by Hisham Arafat

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany and Ava Homa