Hussein and Zeyad Ishaish: Carrying on a family boxing tradition
The Ishaish brothers' boxing roots run deep, with humble beginnings at the Youth Centre in Al Baka Refugee Camp in Jordan. With a long line of boxers in their family, the brothers were destined to enter the ring.
“Fifteen fighters have carried on the family name in boxing, including my brothers Zeyad and Zaid,” Hussein told Jordan News.
Forced to drop out of school after completing 10th grade, Hussain and his brothers focused on their shared dream of competing in the Olympics.
“Watching him compete in Rio 2016 motivated me to prepare well and practice hard so that we can compete together in Tokyo 2020,” said his brother Zeyad. olympics.com in 2021. “It was my parents' dream,” he added.
The motivation paid off, as both brothers proudly represented Jordan in Tokyo. “I promised my mother that I would give her a birthday present of both of us qualifying, and I did,” Hussein said.
But their bond extends beyond their shared goals and the boxing ring. “We're the kind of brothers who are together for life. People see us as friends, not just brothers,” Zeyad said with a smile.
They used to box against each other, but now they come together as a team, supporting and inspiring each other to win.
“It really helps to have someone around you who knows what you’re going through in training and in the ring.” Zeyad explained.
