How Muay Thai changed Jordan Boy's life

LIFE was not much easier as it is now for Malaysian striker Mohammed 'Jordan Boy' Mahmoud.

The Muay Thai rising star admitted that he did not come from the wealthiest of beginnings, but his father Mahmoud Omar gave his all to ensure his family would live a comfortable life.

“My dad gave me everything when I was growing up,” Mohammed emotionally recalled ahead of his ONE: A NEW ERA showdown against Cyprus’ Panicos Yusuf.

“He’ll do anything for us to ensure we live without empty pockets. During my teenage years, it was a bit of a struggle for him as he had to pay for four of us [siblings] for school, and various other expenses. He even skipped dinner when there wasn’t enough food on the table just so we could go to sleep happy.

“I want to be like my father because he’s the most hardworking person I’ve ever met.”

Mohammed, the second of four siblings, never had any ambition growing up, but after discovering Muay Thai, it changed his perspective of life.

“I was lazy, but after discovering that I can turn it into a career, I never looked back. My brother and I started it as another form of workout, but it has since changed. Now even my younger siblings practice Muay Thai,” he pointed out.

Mohammed admitted it wasn’t an easy career in Malaysia, but he battled through as many matches as long as it allowed him to ease his dad’s burdens at home.

“I never earned much at the start, but even when I pocketed a few hundred ringgit, I’d spend it on dinner, or help my dad pay for bills at home,” he shared.

The striking martial arts also allowed the 22-year-old Muay Thai practitioner a chance to move out of a 900 square feet flat in Ampang, which was getting too tight for a family with four growing youngsters.

“After saving enough of money, My sibling and I decided to convince my dad to move out of our old home. There we only had three rooms, and it was tight, but now we have our own room, he” said.

“I’m so grateful that my career has turned out better over the years. Five years ago, I’d never thought an occupation as a professional Muay Thai athlete would have paid the bills and eased my life.”