UAE boxing gym’s female founder in fight to tackle bullying, mental health issues

Michelle Kuehn (L), founder of Dubai’s Real Boxing Only (RBO) gym, with UAE boxer and trainer Fahima Falaknaz. (Real Boxing Only Gym)
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Updated 18 August 2020
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UAE boxing gym’s female founder in fight to tackle bullying, mental health issues

  • New campaign aims to deliver knockout blow to cyberbullying of teenagers

DUBAI: In 1954, a seething 12-year-old by the name of Cassius Clay walked into a gym after having his bike stolen. This was not going to happen to him again. In his words, he wanted to “whup” that thief.

What followed remains arguably the greatest sporting story of all time. In and out of the ring, Muhammad Ali would stare down bullies for the rest of his life.

More than six decades on and boxing still provides a sanctuary for bullying victims which is why Michelle Kuehn, who founded Dubai’s Real Boxing Only (RBO) gym three years ago, has launched an anti-bullying campaign in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and resulting lockdown.

“During quarantine, I noticed that online got really loud,” she said from her office at RBO in Al-Quoz. “Everyone took to going online, and the energy was really high. I know that a lot of teenagers were really struggling, they weren’t seeing their friends, and there was a lot of cyberbullying.

“I know that many teens were struggling with depression and mental health was such an issue during lockdown for a lot of people who were not used to being alone, not used to not being able to go out and see friends.”

Just over four years ago, Kuehn took up boxing because she was disillusioned with her career in the media and her lifestyle in general. It changed her life and has made her increasingly sensitive to other people’s mental health problems.




Michelle Kuehn. (Supplied: Real Boxing Only Gym)

“I started thinking that now schools are coming up, kids must be facing a lot of anxiety about seeing their friends, seeing their bullies, just being made fun of,” said the American, who has lived in the UAE since the mid-1990s.

“Weight has been a massive issue online. People talking about gaining weight or making fun of people putting on quarantine weight. It’s so negative, we just survived a pandemic, and the only thing that’s come out of it is they’re talking about how fat you are,” she added.

By calling on the help of friends, colleagues, and professional boxers, Kuehn hopes to raise awareness through a new anti-bullying campaign, #BeBrave, not a bully.

“Boxers are powerful, they have responsibility to stand up for young people who look up to them, and to say, ‘we’re brave, we’re not bullies,’ and to impart that message to everyone,” she said.

“Be brave, not a bully. I’ve gone with that, and every boxer that I’ve messaged, who either trains at our gym or in the UK, such as Jordan Gill, Shakan Pitters, and the coaches at Eastside Boxing Gym. Also, David Coldwell, Hopey Price, Hamzah Sheeraz, Anthony Fowler, Waleed Din, Ryan Kelly, Mohammad Ali Bayat, and Hannah Rankin. They are all behind it.

“Some of them had been bullied themselves when they were younger, and went into boxing to give themselves self-respect, self-confidence, to feel strong,” she added.




(Supplied: Real Boxing Only Gym)

Kuehn pointed out that boxing also helped bullies to change their ways.

“They are just insecure and scared, lashing out and hurting others because of the pain they feel themselves,” she said. “Boxing helps both sides because it teaches you to respect others and gives you self-discipline and confidence.”

Kuehn had been pushing for women’s participation and empowerment long before the launch of the latest campaign.

“It’s not just locally, women’s boxing wasn’t even allowed in the UK until 1998. So, women haven’t really been allowed to box because of the social pressures that are put on them. Which is all about appearances, and when people say hit like a girl, it’s not a compliment. I turn it into a compliment because I can hit, and yes, I am a girl, so bring it.

“But all of these stereotypes that have been impressed upon women for generations, still exist. And that is the same with online bullying. There are a few big female influencers talking about it now as well, about positive body image, about how all bodies are lovable. Who says cellulite isn’t lovable or being overweight isn’t the way it’s supposed to be? Overweight is a term that they use for a person that doesn’t fit what? Who made those measurements?”




(Supplied: Real Boxing Only Gym)

With RBO, Kuehn above all wanted to provide an environment where females felt at home, whether they were uncomfortable around males for cultural reasons, because they wore a hijab, or simply because they lacked confidence.

“I got asked once if there was a reason why I intentionally didn’t create a girly gym,” she said. “I shouldn’t have to create a girly gym to create a safe space. Boxing is for everyone.

“Ask any female client that comes in here and they will say that the moment they walk in the energy is good. They feel safe, even though there’s a giant boxing ring at the entrance. It’s intimidating but it’s glorious at the same time.




(Supplied: Real Boxing Only Gym)

“They feel safe in here because there’s no judgement. They feel safe because they are being taught a skill. That is why I wanted to have ladies-only classes because I understand as someone who has lived here for so long that everyone has the right to a sport, whether their cultural background is different to mine or not,” she added.

That was also one of the reasons why Kuehn decided to hire Fahima Falaknaz, the first female UAE boxer, as part of the training staff; a specific plan to target more Emirati and conservative females.




Fahima Falaknaz, the first female UAE boxer. (Supplied: Real Boxing Only Gym)

“Her story is one that she still struggles daily with family obligations and family expectations. She has chosen the less-travelled path because she knows that is what she was meant to do. Her story is so in line with what I believe in, that I couldn’t think of anyone else more suited for the job.”

Kuehn proudly noted the story of a member whose life had been transformed by boxing.

“When he started coming here, I remember thinking he was so grumpy looking. Did he even want to be here? This was about a year ago. Now he has lost 32 kg. He is not the same man who walked in here. He didn’t come in here to lose weight, he came in because he was searching, he wanted to find happiness. And he found it,” she said.

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The change was not just physical. His whole outlook on life altered and his mental health improved beyond recognition, Kuehn added.

“Since he has been here, he also started taking English lessons. I remember he could barely speak any English and that frustrated him. So, he fixed it. His whole dynamic changed, and now he is starting his own company, and he has had a couple of fights with us.

“He told me that when he moves back home to Egypt, he wants to open his own boxing gym to give the gift we gave him to others in his hometown. When he told me that, I sat there thinking, I can’t believe that is a result of what we did here. That makes everything worth it.”


NBA superstar Kevin Durant partners with QSI and European champions Paris Saint-German

Updated 14 sec ago
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NBA superstar Kevin Durant partners with QSI and European champions Paris Saint-German

  • The collaborations will focus on merchandise, media content, community programs and potential basketball expansion

PARIS: Qatar Sports Investments, majority owner of UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, has signed an investment and strategic partnership agreement with Kevin Durant, one of the US’s most decorated basketball players and a leading investor in sports and entertainment properties.

The deal will see Durant, via his media and investment arm Boardroom with entrepreneur and long-time business partner Rich Kleiman, acquire a direct minority stake in the football club. The share purchase and strategic partnership agreement were signed earlier this week.

In August 2024, Durant — the two-time National Basketball Association champion, four-time Olympic gold medalist, Most Valued Player and 15-time NBA All-Star — partnered with Paris Saint-Germain through Arctos Partners, a minority shareholder in the club.

Durant said: “It is an honor to partner with QSI and be a shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain — a club and a city that is so close to my heart. This club has big plans ahead, and I can’t wait to be a part of the next phase of growth, and to explore new investment opportunities with QSI.”

As part of the relationship, Boardroom and Qatar Sports Investments will partner on a variety of commercial, investment and content initiatives. Durant will also support the club in its diversification and growth, including co-developing merchandise and original media content, advising on US and international market strategy, supporting PSG for Communities — the club’s charitable foundation and fundraising arm — and consulting on PSG’s multi-sport strategy including potential plans for basketball.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman of QSI, said: “QSI is pleased to welcome Kevin Durant as a direct shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain and strategic partner of our group. We continually seek to elevate the club and our broader portfolio through high-impact partnerships that bring strategic value, innovation and global perspective. Together with Kevin, we look forward to developing ambitious initiatives that will drive the continued global growth of Paris Saint-Germain and QSI.”


Nour Al-Fliti looking to hand Hattan Alsaif first MMA loss

Updated 38 min 15 sec ago
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Nour Al-Fliti looking to hand Hattan Alsaif first MMA loss

  • Rising Lebanese star will take on the unbeaten Saudi fighter at PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh this summer

RIYADH: One of Saudi Arabia’s biggest mixed martial arts stars, Hattan Alsaif, will make her highly anticipated return to the Professional Fighters League SmartCage at PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh on July 4.

And while all eyes will be on the hometown hero, who is aiming for her third straight amateur MMA win, a rising star from Lebanon is preparing to step into enemy territory and hoping to steal the spotlight.

Standing across from Alsaif will be Nour Al-Fliti, a multiple Lebanese MMA champion and International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Asian Championship silver medalist who currently holds a 1-1 amateur record.

Before MMA, however, Al-Fliti lived a completely different life.

“Before MMA, I worked in the hospitality field as an operations manager,” she revealed. “I studied that field and I worked in it since 2019. I enjoyed it, but I felt that something was missing. If I hadn’t found MMA, I think I’d still be searching for that something to ignite the fire in me.”

With MMA, Al-Fliti discovered the outlet she had been searching for. Judging by her growing list of accomplishments, it has been a successful transition.

“I got into MMA because I felt a powerful energy inside me — it was something I needed to express,” Al-Fliti said. “I’ve always had a fighter’s spirit, but I didn’t know where it belonged until I stepped into the cage.”

MMA provided more than just competition, she added: “From my very first fight, I felt a deep connection. It wasn’t just about competition … it was about purpose. That moment made me realize this is where I’m meant to be.”

Al-Fliti believes her greatest achievement in MMA goes beyond medals and accolades — it is the personal transformation she has undergone.

“My biggest achievement so far is finding myself through this sport,” she explained. “Every fight, every camp, every challenge has shaped me, not just as a fighter, but as a person. Of course, winning and improving technically are important, but the real win is the growth I’ve experienced mentally and spiritually.”

While she acknowledges the support of her team and loved ones, Al-Fliti is clear about where her ultimate source of strength lies.

“My biggest supporter is Allah first,” she exclaimed. “I truly believe that my path is written, and I draw strength from that.

“And I’m also deeply grateful to my family and my team — the people who believe in me, push me, and never let me forget who I am, even during the toughest moments.”

On paper, it may seem like Al-Fliti has the odds stacked against her. Alsaif has more experience and will be fighting in front of a home crowd. Al-Fliti, however, doesn’t see it that way.

“Hattan is a determined fighter with her own style, and I respect anyone who steps into the cage, but I never see myself as the underdog,” she said. “I trust in my preparation, in my skills and, most importantly, in my belief in myself and in Allah. I’ve prepared with focus, discipline and a clear mindset.”

On July 4, Al-Fliti does not plan to simply walk into the SmartCage — she will make her presence felt: “I’m not just showing up — I’m coming to make a statement, inshallah.”

Tickets for PFL MENA 2 can be purchased at webook.com.


Pakistan to face New Zealand in FIH Nations Cup final today

Updated 57 min 1 sec ago
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Pakistan to face New Zealand in FIH Nations Cup final today

  • Pakistan defeated France 3-2 on penalty shootouts in the semifinal
  • Pakistani goalkeeper Muneeb-ur-Rehman blocked three French chances

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will face New Zealand today, Saturday, in the final of the Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Spirited Pakistan defeated France 3-2 on penalty shootouts to qualify for the Nations Cup final at the National Hockey Stadium on Friday.

Goalkeeper Muneeb-ur-Rehman blocked three French chances, while Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid and Afraz struck for Pakistan to clinch a highly-rewarding victory.

“Heartiest congratulations to our Green Shirts on reaching the Nations Cup final,” Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on X.

“The team turned the match around with courage, skill and determination — a proud moment for the entire nation.”

Hockey is Pakistan’s national sport. The national team boasts a proud legacy with three Olympic gold medals in 1960, 1968 and 1984, along with four World Cup titles in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994.

But the sport has faced a sharp decline in Pakistan in recent decades due to administrative challenges, underinvestment and inadequate infrastructure. Renewed efforts are underway to revive the game with increased

government support, youth development initiatives and greater international engagement aimed at restoring Pakistan’s former glory in the sport.

The winner of Saturday’s final will earn promotion to the elite FIH Hockey Pro League 2025–26 season.


Jeeno Thitikul extends lead to three at Women’s PGA

Updated 21 June 2025
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Jeeno Thitikul extends lead to three at Women’s PGA

  • The 22-year-old star from Thailand followed a first-round 68 with a 2-under par 70 on Friday to reach 6-under 138 at the Fields Ranch East course
  • Thitikul has five wins to her credit on the LPGA Tour and placed in the top 10 of seven majors

FRISCO, Texas: World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul is halfway home to her first major victory, as she will take a three-shot lead into the weekend at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Frisco, Texas.

The 22-year-old star from Thailand followed a first-round 68 with a 2-under par 70 on Friday to reach 6-under 138 at the Fields Ranch East course at PGA Frisco.

She has a comfortable edge over Australia’s Minjee Lee, who shot even-par 72, and Japan’s Rio Takeda, who birdied her final hole (No. 9) and four of her last six for a 71.

Lexi Thompson also posted a 70 in the second round and holds fourth place at 2 under.

The course played even tougher than the day before, and only one player managed to break 70. England’s Charley Hull posted a 3-under 69 to move to 3 over and ensure she’ll make the cut after an opening-round 78 set her back.

Thitikul entered the day with a one-shot lead and spent most of her round hovering around even par. After beginning on the back nine, she had two birdies and two bogeys through 16 holes before a birdie-birdie finish. Thitikul made a 12 1/2-foot putt at the par-3 eighth before two-putting from 59 feet at the par-5 ninth.

Thitikul has five wins to her credit on the LPGA Tour and placed in the top 10 of seven majors. Now she will get to play from ahead and defend her lead in a high-pressure situation.

“I think it’s depend on the wind,” Thitikul said of the weekend to come. “If you can be committing with the wind you see and then calculating really good and putting yourself like tee-to-green really well and then making par, I think it’s good enough.”

Thompson had a bogey-free round nearly in the bag before stumbling at No. 18 when her approach found a bunker.

Thompson, 30, stopped competing full-time after 2024, but she is making her seventh start of 2025 and is in great form, having tied for fourth last week at the Meijer LPGA Classic.

“When I’m home I’m grinding and practicing and still working on my game,” Thompson said. “Any time I tee it up — even saying I was stepping away from a full-time schedule, any time I tee it up I want to come out here and compete and win.”

A win this weekend would give Thompson her second career major title, 11 years after her first.

The only American in red figures besides Thompson is Auston Kim, who shot 72 Friday and is tied for fifth at 1 under with South Korea’s Somi Lee (73) and Japan’s Chizato Iwai (72).

Kim would be a major upset story if she were to win on Sunday. She is ranked No. 98 in the world, has never won on tour and never finished better than tied for 30th at a major.

“My mindset today was just staying in it,” Kim said of her two-birdie, two-bogey round. “I didn’t really feel like I had hit any superhuman shots. I didn’t want to. I didn’t have to chop it out of the rough today like I did (Thursday). I think that’s just a testament to how smart I was playing.”

World No. 1 Nelly Korda turned in a 2-over 74 to slide to 2 over for the tournament, tied for 16th.

The projected cut line was 7 over par, meaning Rose Zhang (79 Friday) will squeak in on the number. Notable names to miss the cut included Allizen Corpuz (8 over), South Korea’s A Lim Kim (8 over), defending champion Amy Yang of South Korea (9 over) and two-time major winner Lilia Vu (9 over).

Former World No. 1 Jin Young Ko of South Korea withdrew due to illness. She was on track to miss the cut after an opening-round 74.


Scheffler in 3-way tie for lead at Travelers with Fleetwood and Thomas

Updated 21 June 2025
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Scheffler in 3-way tie for lead at Travelers with Fleetwood and Thomas

  • All it took was the fate of the wind, good or bad, to shape the leaderboard going into the weekend at the TPC River Highlands, with 12 players separated by four shots
  • The average score was 70.7, nearly two shots harder than the opening round

CROMWELL, Connecticut: Scottie Scheffler provided hope with a late double bogey. Tommy Fleetwood charged through with two eagles in three holes, and so did Justin Thomas with five straight birdies. They wound up tied for the lead on a blustery Friday at the Travelers Championship.

All it took was the fate of the wind, good or bad, to shape the leaderboard going into the weekend at the TPC River Highlands, with 12 players separated by four shots.

Scheffler was comfortably in front when the left-to-right wind his tee shot had been riding laid down, sending his ball into the fairway bunker on the par-4 17th. He put the next one in the water, barely reached the green with his fourth shot and made double bogey. He wound up with a 1-under 69.

Fleetwood felt the wind going right-to-left, then slightly hurting, then slightly helping on the par-5 13th. He had 240 yards to at least cover the water, 264 yards to the hole, and he felt his 9-wood would at least reach the green.

So much depended on the fickle wind that fooled so many players.

“I just sort of caught the right moment,” said Fleetwood, who also chipped in for eagle on the reachable 15th and shot 65. “Came off perfect and then beautiful putt.”

Thomas wished he could have hit the ball a little better off the tee, but he stayed out of trouble, stayed patient and cashed in on the back nine with his five straight birdies, two of them from the 25-foot range, that led to a 64.

They were at 9-under 131, one shot ahead of Jason Day (66).

Rory McIlroy was 3 over through four holes in gusts that topped 30 mph, at one point falling eight shots behind Scheffler, a daunting prospect. But he kept in the game, found hope when Scheffler dropped back to 9 under, and got a little luck on his own.

His second shot from a bunker on the 17th was so think that he took one hand off the club and waited for the worse, mainly a splash. It founded the water at such a low trajectory that it skipped out onto the fairway.

He failed to get up-and-down, taking bogey, but felt it could have been worse — the shot, and his position going into the weekend He batted for a 71, leaving him only four back.

“The conditions today definitely bunched the entire field together and should make for an exciting weekend,” McIlroy said

The conditions — mainly the wind strong that was blowing hats off of heads and sending unoccupied chairs tumbling away — was everything in the second round.

The average score was 70.7, nearly two shots harder than the opening round. It was the highest scoring average for a single round at the Travelers since the second round in 2017.

The toughest part for players was figuring out which way it was blowing. Scheffler experienced that on the 17th.

“The tee shot, I hit exactly the way I wanted to,” Scheffler said. “Somehow the wind either stops or goes back because the way my ball was flying it should have basically gotten to the middle of the fairway and I end up in the left bunker.

“Then I catch it a hair fat, and all of a sudden I’m dropping and hitting my fourth shot, and I hit the shot exactly the way we wanted to, and as the ball is flying, you get a gust into the wind, and all of a sudden the ball is not on the green,” he said. “You can’t get every one correct. You just do your best to manage your way around the golf course.”

Day had his own version of a hat trick on the front nine — three pars, three birdies, three bogeys — until hitting all the right shots for a 31 on the back to get in the hunt.

Denny McCarthy (64) and Austin Eckroat (71) were at 7-under 133, followed by Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley 70) and Nick Taylor (68).

Patrick Cantlay had a 68 with a double bogey on the par-5 13th and joined the large group at 135 that included McIlroy.

If the wind wasn’t bad enough, Luke Clanton showed remarkable patience in his second tournament as a pro. He had been playing with Jordan Spieth, who had to withdraw with soreness in his upper back on Thursday. Clanton was a single in the middle of the field, behind Scheffler and US Open champion J.J. Spaun, in front of Andrew Novak and Jacob Bridgeman.

He waited on every shot and did well to post a 72, leaving him in the middle of the pack.