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With a stack of notes beside her, Zeina Nassar gathered her parents in their Berlin living room, prepared to deliver a presentation on why they should allow her to box.

Inspired by online footage of women boxers, the 13-year-old felt drawn to the rhythm and power of the sport.

"I kept replaying those clips," Nassar, aged 27, explains. "I felt certain that boxing was my path".

Thus, Nassar made her argument with the fervor of a youthful lawyer, pleading for her destiny.

"I highlighted how it would aid my academic attention, promised to use a girls-only facility close by, and noted boxing's core values of respect and discipline," she reflects.

Her parents were swayed, but persuading them turned out to be the simpler hurdle.

Born in Germany with Lebanese heritage, Nassar—a Muslim teen who proudly wore a hijab—soon discovered her biggest obstacle was outside her home.

Upon joining her neighborhood gym, she encountered rules barring hijabs in matches at both national and global levels, compelling her to fight for inclusion.

"They demanded I opt for my hijab or my athletic pursuit," she notes. "I questioned, why the forced choice? I'm not endangering others. All I desire is to box".

Her resolve to oppose injustice became the hallmark of her boxing path.

In her professional initiation in Pakistan on Wednesday, Nassar will sport her hijab and full coverage, aided by boxing great Roy Jones Jr. as mentor and trainer.

It's believed she is the pioneer, with no known instances of a hijab-wearing female pro boxer, making her debut especially meaningful.

Not a bad achievement for a youngster with a presentation and a vision.

Nassar's Journey to Altering the Rules as a Hijab-Wearer

When she was just 14, Nassar helped transform German amateur boxing guidelines so she could participate with long sleeves and a head covering.

Yet, stepping into the ropes for her first amateur contest, with adrenaline rushing, she felt the gazes upon her.

"I observed so many looks," she says. "Some even claimed I couldn't fight like this, and I responded 'please, we just updated the rules'".

"I simply didn't get it—it should be about my skill and how I perform in the ring. Still, many opposed it".

Nassar thrived in the ring and shifted perceptions, earning multiple Berlin championships and national titles while adhering to her beliefs.

However, after an IBA invitation to the European Championships, she hit a new obstacle, with hijabs still prohibited at the global level.

Therefore, at 19, she launched efforts to reform the international regulations.

"I lacked support from Germany," she remarks. "Yet I was determined. I wanted equal treatment like every other competitor".

In 2019, the IBA ended the hijab restriction, and since Olympic boxing is managed by World Boxing, head coverings and full-body garments are accepted.

"Due to my work, any woman in amateur boxing can now box in a hijab and stay true to themselves," Nassar affirms. "That achievement is my proudest".

Hijabs in Professional Boxing—Understanding the Regulations

Nassar's advocacy transformed the amateur scene, and in 2017, she attracted Nike's attention, becoming a representative for their new athletic hijab.

Yet, for professional boxing, what regulations apply? Would a hijab be dangerous? Is there any advantage?

The WBO leaves clothing decisions to regional bodies, and the IBF lacks specific policies on faith-based head coverings.

The British Boxing Board of Control, which regulates pro boxing in Britain, approves of sport-appropriate hijabs.

Oliver Wittmann, head of the German Boxing Federation, admits there's little history but raises concerns over safety and hijab slippage mid-bout.

Nassar counters Wittmann's statements with her experience: "Across nearly 100 amateur matches, it has never caused trouble," she states.

Health professionals agree. "It's insignificant," notes Professor Mike Loosemore, former medical officer for Team GB.

"Hijabs are made of lightweight, airy fabric," he stated. "I have no objection to individuals boxing in hijabs.

"They present no risk and won't affect the boxer or the other competitor".

Pakistan—The Surprising Venue for a Four-Day Boxing Spectacle

Pakistan may not be a common site for world-class boxing, but upwards of 20,000 attendees are projected in Lahore for a four-day professional card.

With Punjab government backing, the tournament will showcase both homegrown and overseas boxers, like UK representatives Alex Dilmaghani, Jimmy Kelly, and James Metcalf.

Nassar expresses feeling "honored" to box in an Islamic state.

"Boxing is inclusive," remarks Chris Glover, the Liverpudlian event creator. "Whether Zeina dons a hijab or a cowboy hat, I'm fine with it. She's a pioneer".

In her corner will be Jones Jr., the four-weight world champion turned coach, whom Nassar first met at an IBA event years ago.

"I was astonished to be next to him," she chuckles.

"Then he began demonstrating techniques, offering tips, and we kept in contact. He's instructed me extensively on footwork, power, and confidence".

Nassar aims high, targeting a world title in six or seven bouts.

And considering the barriers she's already surmounted, it's unwise to doubt her.