Tarik Khbabez stands out as one of the most prominent Moroccan names in the world of kickboxing, having made an indelible mark on the sport by claiming the prestigious Glory World Championship title on three separate occasions. His remarkable achievements have solidified his position among the elite fighters within this intense sport. However, behind these accolades lies a compelling story of perseverance that traces back to his childhood in the Yacoub El Mansour neighborhood of Rabat, through his years in Salé, and ultimately, to his family's relocation to the Netherlands when he was just seven years old. This move was not without its challenges; following the death of his father, Khbabez was thrust into a tough social environment. Yet, he discovered that sports could serve as a pathway to overcoming adversity and fulfilling his dreams of reaching the pinnacle of success.
In an exclusive interview with Hespress, Khbabez reflects on the significant milestones of his career, sharing insights into his beginnings, family circumstances, and his eventual choice of kickboxing. He also reveals the offers he received to represent the Netherlands and discusses his decision to don the Moroccan jersey, alongside his future aspirations.
Early Beginnings in Sports
Khbabez was born in the Yacoub El Mansour district of Rabat and spent several years in Salé before moving to the Netherlands with his family. His journey into the world of sports began with karate, which he practiced alongside his older sister. However, as time progressed, Khbabez felt a growing inclination toward combat sports, leading him to discover kickboxing, a venture he decided to pursue wholeheartedly. He recalls that from his very first training session, he sensed a natural affinity for this discipline, which fueled his commitment to train more intensively. Over time, what started as a hobby evolved into a passion, ultimately transforming into a professional aspiration that he was determined to achieve against all odds.
Facing Challenges and Staying Motivated
Life in the Netherlands was not easy for Khbabez and his family, especially after his father's passing, which left his mother to shoulder the responsibility of raising him and his five siblings. This period was challenging in every sense, prompting Khbabez to sometimes work alongside his training to alleviate some of the burdens on his mother. Nevertheless, he remained steadfast in his belief that sports could lead him to significant accomplishments in life. His focus was always on maintaining a path marked by hard work and integrity. Gradually, as he persevered, circumstances began to improve.
When asked about his inspirations, Khbabez cites several legends of the sport, including Badr Hari and Jamal Ben Saddik, whose performances fueled his ambition. He vividly remembers watching their fights and telling himself that he would one day compete at their level and proudly represent Morocco on the grandest stages. Although it seemed like a distant dream initially, his unwavering belief and relentless effort propelled him toward making it a reality.
Khbabez has received multiple offers to represent the Netherlands, with some intriguing financial incentives. However, for him, the decision transcended monetary considerations. He possesses a deep love for Morocco and a strong connection to his homeland and its monarchy. Proudly raising the Moroccan flag is of utmost importance to him, an honor that no financial compensation could replace.
Representing Morocco on the global stage fills Khbabez with immense pride and responsibility. He articulates that entering the ring with the Moroccan flag signifies not just a personal journey, but also a representation of his country, family, and the supporters who rally behind him. This sense of duty drives him to consistently deliver his best performances, knowing that an entire nation stands in support of him.
Despite having claimed the Glory World Title three times, Khbabez believes that ambition knows no bounds. Achieving a title, whether one, two, or three times, is merely the beginning; the real challenge lies in maintaining that status. As he continues his journey, he aims to uphold his championship in his weight class and remains committed to achieving further victories and accolades, confident that he still has much to contribute within the ring.
Looking ahead, Khbabez has clear objectives: to maintain his world title, compete at the highest levels, and accumulate as many titles as possible. His aspiration is to etch his name in gold letters in the history of kickboxing while representing Morocco in the best possible light. This dream fuels his daily efforts, as he hopes to continue bringing joy to Moroccans and raising the national flag at the most significant international events.
As reported by hespress.com.
