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S T O R Y O F T H E W E E K :
Mali: The Lion In The Plain
Classroom antics could include: sketching in your book, slyly eating snacks trying not to get caught, and blastin' music into your AirPods 'til you can't even hear what the teacher is saying. Not for Jay Mali. If he isn't staring at the hands of the clock move throughout the day, patiently waiting for the school day to end, he's staring at the hands of legendary fighters, battling in a lonely ring. War with another warrior, seeking honour, a victory and a legacy. The first step out of his school points towards one place and one place only: Evolution Gym. The Plain where this lion is nurtured and trained. This is the story of Jay Mali: The Lion In The Plain.
Mali never had the intention to become the boxer he is today. However, he has always maintained a healthy, athletic lifestyle and he would always go to the gym, the gym being Evolution. It was until the moment Shaz (the owner of Evolution Gym) approached young Mali with the opportunity to fight. Without hesitation, Jay accepted the fight, unknowingly that the decision had triggered THE butterfly effect of his life on August 1st of 2021. He breezed through his first match, realising his hands are made to fight and not made to type out paperwork in a 9-5. Also to mention, he trained, dieted and sparred whilst juggling school. All he could focus on during school is fighting, on his phone watching the professionals battle for the same thing that Jay wants to claim for himself, greatness. One win became two, two wins became four, four wins became eight and so on. He dropped out to fully focus on fighting as boxing is what he really eats, sleeps and needs.
With the record of 11-0 (as we speak), Mali shows no signs of stopping, now with multiple sponsorships from several businesses such as Gym Genes, Three Spires, ESBI Mini Bus Services, Smoke Connoisseur and Sell City. His most recent (and toughest) fight was an international in Ireland, a fight he took only a couple of days' notice, resting from a recent fight that was only a couple of days before the offer was made. The whole of Evolution Gym trains their warriors for war, with Shaz constantly pushing beyond everyones' limits. This is evident within Jay's hectic training timetable, training a minimum of three times a day, Monday to Friday 10 am-11 pm, Sunday being a rest day and Saturday being the only 9-5 he will ever do. Shaz doesn't see his fighters as just children, but as future pros that will claim each belt with honour, making sure each and every one of them "Digs Deep".
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People are exposed to the wrongs of the world, getting involved in situations they shouldn't, especially people our age. We all have the potential to do what's right and be great and he wants to show the youth in our beloved community that they are born to do better.
Well said Jay.
In retrospect, Jay Mali is just a kid. A kid that turned a talent into a skill, a skill into a routine and now routine into a path towards his successful future. He took advantage of every opportunity and ensured that the result is beneficial to either himself, the people around him and/or Allah SWT. Jay also has an upcoming fight on the 28th of January 2023 (which would've definitely been won as this article would be published after the fight) at Sports Connexion, Coventry. Mali, if you're reading this, you have the whole city behind you, and we will do no less than show love and support until you reach the potential that God has set for you (in'shaa'Allah). Just like you mentioned yourself, the youth are born to do better and you've shown the city that you are born for greatness.
Jay Mali: "La Hawla Wa La Quwwata Illa Billah" (There is no power nor strength except by God).
Mali isn't the only "Lion in The Plain". In order for Mali to become the beast of the bunch, he needs an ally that parallels his tunnel vision. Another fighter that keeps him on a grind, on a hustle, on a path to victory. That is where Saleh steps in. A humble 16-year-old juggling school and social life with the pressures of climbing to the top. His father was also an amateur boxer, with a record of 6-2, which soon became a baton that would be handed down to his talented son. With a current record of 3-0, Saleh is fighting his way through Coventry, England and hopefully the world (in'shaa'Allah).
His first fight was a trigger to his mind, proving to himself that he is more than a student, but also a warrior. His second fight was the toughest opponent he faced but let's face it, Evolution Gym trains their boxers for war and so Saleh took the win for the gym, the city and himself. His recent fight was the match with the most support, chants and shouts that gave his mind, body and soul the energy to "Dig Deep. Saleh hits the gym and the bag as it keeps him away from the streets, the last place someone our age should be at. He gets a high off the feeling when stepping into the centre, the crowd roaring his name, vocally pushing him through each and every fight.