Giovanni De Anda is rapidly gaining recognition in the UAE’s boxing scene, transitioning from a successful career in rugby to making his mark in the boxing ring.

Originally from Mexico and now having spent over a decade in the Emirates, De Anda’s athletic career and personal growth reflect both his connection to his Mexican heritage and his desire to excel in a new country.

‘Won the national championship’

De Anda’s athletic career began with rugby, a sport he pursued seriously for nearly a decade. He played on a team that dominated the national championship scene, winning titles consistently.

“I played rugby for nine years,” De Anda explained.

“My team won the national championship four or five times during that period.”

However, after moving to the UAE, his career took a different turn. He has now lived in the Emirates for 13 years, spending much of his time in Dubai. While rugby was initially his focus, de Anda eventually shifted his attention to boxing.

‘Sport can sometimes be biased’

The move from a team sport like rugby to an individual one such as boxing was not immediate for De Anda. After leaving rugby four years ago, he experimented with bodybuilding and other martial arts, including kickboxing and jiu-jitsu. However, boxing ultimately became his primary passion.

“I started boxing about two years ago. At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue kickboxing, MMA, or boxing. But after attending boxing sessions more regularly, my coach recognised my potential.”

This relationship with his coach was pivotal. De Anda credits his coach for providing the guidance and individual attention that helped him transition into boxing successfully. Despite being relatively new to the sport, de Anda’s progress has been rapid. In the past year, he has competed in six bouts, with his most recent fight demonstrating his skills, even in the face of a tough decision.

“I feel like I won three or four of the five rounds in my last fight, but unfortunately, sports can sometimes be biased, and I was up against a well-known competitor. While the decision didn’t go my way, I was happy with my performance.”

‘More connected to my heritage’

A key aspect of De Anda’s boxing identity is his commitment to maintaining a distinctly Mexican fighting style. Known for its aggressive yet technical approach, Mexican boxing has produced some of the world’s greatest fighters, and De Anda is determined to carry that forward, even while training in the UAE.

“I learned to box here in the Emirates, but I fight with a Mexican style,”

“It’s important to me to stay connected to my roots, and I bring that into the ring with me.”

De Anda’s connection to Mexico extends beyond his fighting technique. He takes pride in showcasing his heritage during his matches, from the music that accompanies his entrances to the attire he wears. For one of his recent fights, De Anda walked into the ring wearing white shorts with vibrant Mexican pink accents, a clear nod to his homeland.

While De Anda’s boxing journey began in the UAE, he made a deliberate effort to train in Mexico, seeking to immerse himself in the culture of the sport and deepen his connection to his roots.

“I wanted to go to Mexico to train with fighters who had no other choice but to fight,” De Anda shared. “I wanted to see how they lived, how they trained, and to feel more connected to my heritage.”

De Anda trained in Los Bastones, a tough neighborhood in Mexico City, gaining a new perspective on the sport and the fighters who rely on it as a path to a better life. This experience reinforced De Anda’s determination and gave him a deeper appreciation for the opportunities he has had in his own life.

‘Mentally, it’s exhausting’

Despite his rapid rise in boxing, De Anda recognises the need to step back and recharge. Having fought six times in the past year, he feels the strain of constant training and competition, both physically and mentally.

“I’ve been offered three more fights since my last one, but I need a break. It’s not just about the physical demands; mentally, it’s exhausting. I want to take some time to rest and come back stronger.”

During this break, De Anda continues to focus on his personal training business, which keeps him connected to the fitness world while allowing him some much-needed downtime. Even though he’s not actively competing, his daily training routine remains rigorous, ensuring he stays in top shape.

‘People remember my name’

As De Anda’s profile grows, so does the attention he receives from fight promoters and fans. His unique style, combined with his ability to entertain in the ring, has made him a sought-after figure in the regional boxing circuit.

“All of my fights are entertaining,” De Anda noted.

“After my matches, people remember my name and want to see me fight again.”

De Anda is also focused on building his brand beyond the ring. He is actively seeking sponsorship opportunities, understanding the importance of aligning with partners who share his vision and values as an athlete. As his popularity increases, he is looking for ways to expand his reach and make the most of his growing reputation in the sport.

Despite taking a short break, De Anda’s future in boxing remains bright. He has already achieved a great deal in just two years of competing, but he is far from finished. His ambition and determination are clear, and he is eager to return to the ring after some time to rest and reflect.

“I’m definitely going to continue fighting, but I want to make sure I’m mentally and physically prepared to give it my all.”

De Anda’s journey from rugby to boxing, combined with his commitment to representing Mexico and his rapid rise in the UAE’s boxing scene, makes him a compelling figure to watch. His dedication to his craft, his heritage, and his personal growth ensures that his story is far from over.

As De Anda continues to train and prepare for his next steps, it is clear that his journey in boxing is just beginning. With his talent, discipline, and strong sense of identity, Giovanni de Anda is poised to make an even bigger impact on the sport, both in the UAE and beyond.