Muhammad Noori never let amateur struggles dampen boxing dreams
Muhammad Noori lands a hook on Mike Ruiz in his professional debut on October 12, 2024. Photo by David Algranati/TheFightPhotos
It’s easy to take one glance at Muhammad Noori’s 3-14 amateur record and immediately write him off. The important thing for Noori’s story is that he never wrote himself off.
In fact, Noori could have just as easily been 14-3, given that many of his amateur losses were razor thin decisions. Even when his hand wasn’t raised, the Bridgewater, N.J. resident never let it get him down for too long. He always had his mind
“No matter the outcome, right after the results it was already forgotten. The kid came back to the gym the next day like it never happened,” said head trainer Johnny Rodriguez, who has trained Noori for the last two-plus years.
“Every time we took an L, whether it was really a loss or a bad decision, I just told myself God is preparing me for the next level to be mentally strong and keep pushing forward,” added Noori. “I looked at amateurs as nothing serious; just sparring with 10 ounce gloves.”
That mindset has served the 21-year-old well. Now the only record that matters is the 1-0 he carries in his professional career. The junior lightweight prospect will look to extend his record to 2-0 when he faces New York’s Christian Coakley on Sat., December 21, 2024 at the Performing Arts Center in Carteret, N.J. The four-round bout will be part of an eight fight card promoted by R&B Promotions.
For Noori, his journey to boxing began at age 15. Born in Islamabad, Pakistan, Noori and his family moved to Dubai when he was six and then relocated to New Jersey at age 13 or 14. He first picked up boxing in high school as a way to lose weight, but found himself getting hooked on the sport. He says he found motivation in his father’s background as a karate black belt and wants to continue the family’s fighting legacy.
It didn’t take long for Rodriguez to notice that Noori had qualities that make for an exciting boxer.
“His no quitting mentality makes his matches highly entertaining and his quick footwork and hand speed allow him to outmaneuver his opponents. His strong chin and ability to take a punch also make him a formidable opponent. His dedication to training and continuous improvement show that he’s committed to being the best. Overall, his exciting fighting style, impressive skills, and strong work ethic make him a boxer worth watching,” said Rodriguez, who owns Semper Fit Boxing in Freehold, N.J.
“Lastly although this is not very popular to casual boxing fans, he is very respectful, humble and calm. But all that changes once he is in the ring.”
Noori had his first amateur bout just before the pandemic hit in December of 2019 and wrapped up his amateur career in June of 2024. Four months later he stepped into the ring for his professional debut, facing the rugged and durable Michael Ruiz, a Toms River resident who had more professional and amateur experience than himself.
Though some doubted whether he was ready for this leap to the pros, Noori shined at Prudential Center in Newark, winning a decision by unanimous scores of 39-37.
“It was truly a great moment, I have nothing but respect for Mike Ruiz for making the fight happen and letting us share the ring with him on a big stage,” said Noori, who spars with other local pros John Leonardo, Emmanuel “Salserito” Rodriguez and Juan Marrero.
For his next bout, Noori is scheduled to face Coakley, a 26-year-old from Mineola, N.Y. who is making his professional debut. Coakley fought in the New York Golden Gloves during his amateur career, facing future pros Richardson Hitchins, Deyshawn Williams and Reshat Mati, among others. Noori says he knows little about his opponent, other than he is four inches taller than him at 5’9″, but says he will prepare for this bout with the same intensity he prepares for all others.
“I don’t ever look at an opponent as too tough or too easy, everyone is the same, I have to do my job of working hard every single day for this dream to happen,” said Noori, who counts Manny Pacquiao and Shakur Stevenson among his favorite boxers.
Outside the ring, Noori is currently a second year student at Middlesex County College, where he’s studying psychology. He says he is fulfilling a promise to his parents to finish his education, but sees his future being in the ring.
“God willing I want to go down as the pound for pound best fighter of my generation,” said Noori.