Fadi Merza is back!

After a 10-year break: World champion celebrates comeback

Fadi Merza is back.

(Bild: FRB Media, Privat Fadi Merza )

After a 10-year break, former world champion Fadi Merza wants to give it another go and will be back in the ring at the Bounce Fight Night in April. His training is already in full swing.

"A year's resolution became a dream, the dream became a concrete goal," says Austrian Thai boxing legend Fadi Merza. At the turn of the year, the 46-year-old set himself the goal of returning to his old fighting weight of 72.5 kg. Starting from 90 kg, an ambitious plan. "Back to the roots" was the motto for the Viennese, who packed his things to turn back time in a Thai gym. Training twice a day, eating and sleeping - sometimes right there in the gym," says Fadi about his Rocky-style journey back in time.

A one-year resolution became a dream, and the dream became a concrete goal.

Fadi Merza

Organizers are looking forward to the fight
"We are of course delighted that Fadi wants to make his comeback as part of our event," says organizer and former professional boxer Marcos Nader. "When big names like this come to our attention, it shows once again that our hard work is paying off." Bounce Fight Night is considered Austria's biggest and most successful boxing event. The event promises fights at a top international level.

Son as an incentive
When asked whether this is a clear case of midlife crisis, Fadi replies with a wink: "That's probably what some people will call it." But he is driven by one specific thing, namely his son Michel, who will soon be 9 years old. "I want to show him what dad's life has largely been about," says Fadi. "And prove to him and myself what I'm still capable of." His opponent, who is currently in negotiations, is of course likely to be a lot younger than Merza himself. "I'm in full training, more mature and mentally much stronger than before. I'm looking forward to a big challenge."

Change of discipline: boxing instead of Thai boxing
And it will certainly also be a special challenge because it will take place in boxing rather than in his showpiece discipline, Thai boxing. "I've achieved everything you can achieve in Thai boxing," says the multiple world champion about his change of discipline. "Now I want to try boxing." He will of course accept all the help he can get and will prepare intensively with the team of trainers at the Bounce boxing club. Merza's family has mixed feelings about his ambitious plans. "But of course they know me. What I once set my mind to ...", smiles the former world champion, who can hardly wait to get back in the ring and feel the adrenaline after a 10-year break. "My wife Ines and my son will of course be cheering me on. But they've already told me one thing: Dad, please don't hurt yourself!"