July 11, 2016

It is not an everyday occurrence to interview and consult with one's own brother for a story, but it happened to the Chief Editor here earlier this year.  I had the chance to talk to Bob Przybylo while doing background research for the "No Labels" story and trying to gather the public's perception about the start of Noah's career.  While future plans for the Fight Retrospectives section will include even more sources and interviews about previous fights, it was nice to have an easygoing, accommodating source for the first piece.  The Fight Retrospective and future "No Labels" chapters will continue to look into the heart of the sport and the fighters behind it.  It will continue to explore the challenges in continuously writing and rewriting the narrative of one's career(s) and pushing one's self forward.

Back to my brother.  Bob is a 10-year veteran of the journalism game, and because of it, he has a good feel for character and integrity while interviewing subjects.  He wrote for The Oklahoman for about five of those years, and he quickly became the "go to" guy for sports and stories that were more difficult to find by the casual fan, be it high school or fringe sports.  His Boneman Bout Blog became an unexpected critical success and was the one of the few places fans of boxing and MMA could find regional news.  Ultimately, he had to follow other offers, and the void in combat sports journalism remains.  Bob is now the driving force behind Sooners Illustrated.  A lot of strange twists had to happen along the way, but he essentially covered the first parts of Noah's career, and I have covered most of the most recent parts of his career after taking a seven-year break from writing about combat sports myself.

While some of his words already appear in the "No Labels" story, I think that the interview has enough value and merit to be posted on its own.  Here is our Q&A:

NoahZuhdi.com:  How did you begin to cover Noah's career and how did you two meet?

Bob Przybylo: I was approached about writing a story on Noah prior to his professional debut. The hook was he was being trained and mentored by former world lightweight champion Sean O’Grady, who is also from Oklahoma City. Add in the fact he was going to law school and was a college basketball player, there were a lot of angles to pursue.

I went to the gym on a Tuesday evening and just watched him work. I didn’t want to intrude and felt the best way to really get a feel of everything was to sit back and say nothing and observe.

NZ: Where was he training at the time and what were some of your first impressions of that particular gym?

BP: He was training at Azteca Gym on the south side of Oklahoma City. It was hot--very hot. It's the first thing I always remember about that. Some of the equipment was pretty ratted and torn back then, but none of the guys seemed to mind. It wasn’t very big, but everybody seemed to get along and accommodate with each other.

NZ: Did anything set Noah apart from the other fighters in the gym?  If so, what?

BP: What I noticed immediately about Noah was how he was fighting for his future and trying to perfect his craft. He wasn’t trying to look flashy and cool in front of media or trying to throw highlight-reel punches you would never throw in a real fight.

You could tell he respected the sport and wasn’t going to be a sideshow attraction. The lingering question was going to be about just how much legit talent he had, but you knew he was going to put in the work.

NZ: It seemed like you instinctively knew Noah was heading in the right direction.  Consequently, you covered his early fights at length. What was it about him that made it easier to cover him?  Were there things in his answers that seemed to spark interest from you?  Was it the novelty of his backstory?  

BP: A big key to me for any interview is to show the subject respect. Show them you’ve done your homework and understand this is their passion. Build the bond and rapport, and then they’re more willing to open up to you on a deeper, personal level.

In establishing that I care about the story at hand, I think it allowed Noah to let his guard down and have as much of a conversation compared to an interview. It was very easy to just go back and forth and forget you’re actually supposed to be writing a story, too.

You could tell how much he knew about the sport. He knew he was starting in the game incredibly late but that wasn’t going to deter him. His heart was in it 100 percent.

NZ: Did you see his first fight with Rafael Torres?  If so, what were your thoughts on it?

BP: What stood out was his persistence in hitting the body. Everybody goes for the head, and if you’re starting out, you especially expect that. Instead, Zuhdi attacked the body and scored his first knockdown with a body shot before eventually finishing it off later in the first round.

NZ: In his early fights, what were some of the things you noticed--good and bad--about his fighting style and his attitude?  Did you think he had a ceiling?

BP: He was so, so aggressive. Not careless, think that’s going a bit too far, but you knew there was a chance he could be caught because how he was in there with a mindset of I’m not being paid by the hour. He came to work, do his job and go home.

The biggest realization was obvious: If Zuhdi was going to develop as a fighter with a legit future in the sport, he was going to have to leave Oklahoma City. Or at least stop fighting in the area. That usually meant I couldn’t cover the fights, but he wasn’t evolving as a fighter staying in Oklahoma City.

NZ: Anything surprise you about Noah's progression or development?

BP: His willingness to adapt and willingness to accept the first defeat. You never know how that is going to go. He got hit a good shot, which we all know can happen in boxing. It would have been easy to pack the bags and go home. Say I made some money, had some fun, now it’s time to be an attorney and move on.

He didn’t. He got back on the horse, changed his style and kept pushing forward. He didn’t cheat himself. No idea if he has been fully satisfied with the way this nine-year battle has gone so far, but he never cheated himself or the sport.

NZ: Do you miss the Bout Blog or covering the sport?

BP: Absolutely. If there was real money in just covering boxing, I would jump at it in a heartbeat. But there isn’t, especially not in Oklahoma. Now, I'm not complaining, we all make our choices. Nor am I denigrating boxing--I still love watching boxing, easily my favorite sport.

I enjoyed it as a kid, but got really into it in December 1998 through the present day. I still keep tabs on it daily and hope for the sport to prosper instead of continuing to shoot itself in the foot as it has done on occasion.

May 23, 2015

The site has been updated with a behind the scenes story on Noah's entry in Bob Burke's Oklahoma history book. Exclusive interviews with Noah and Burke were granted and conducted by NoahZuhdi.com. The story is slated to hit newstands and other outlets soon, and we'll keep you updated on that front. For now, you can take an early look at the story here. 

The story behind the story also proved to be fascinating. In talking about the book, Burke shared: "I had written 119 previous books about Oklahoma and had accumulated a large amount of material about the uniqueness of the state and its people.  I started out to make an Oklahoma history calendar, to have something on each day. 

"But, as the project grew, it turned into a book.  It helps prove my theory that Oklahoma's incredible story is not about places and events--it is about our people. Who would have ever guessed that the father of radio astronomy, the first president of the National Football League, the first voice of Donald Duck, the discoverer of the jet stream, the first person to fly alone around the world, the inventor of the shopping cart, and the person who added 'aerobics' to the English language all came from Oklahoma?"

July 10, 2014

• Noah's second defense of his championship was a successful one.  If you want to relive the moments leading up to the fight or read a review of the fight itself, check out the Zuhdi-Reis Headquarters page.  We were pleased with and proud of the work surrounding that fight.  Give it a look if you haven't already.
• The review of the fight was also published by Eastside Boxing, and it's available here.
• After a much needed and deserved break, Noah is essentially back in "pre-training" mode and adhering to his usual fitness plan. Several discussions have occurred covering his next possible fight. While it would be unwise to advertise some of the unofficial possibilities, there could be very healthy opportunities on the horizon that would include more national exposure. NoahZuhdi.com will keep you updated on that front.
• In addition to the new t-shirts on the merchandise page, Noah and Team Zuhdi are kicking around ideas for website-exclusive podcasts and videos to both inform and entertain.  Stay tuned.  If you have any ideas on what you want to see, as always, use our contact page or send an email to editor@noahzuhdi.com.
• That's about it for now.  Last month's fight week traffic for the website showed a considerable increase and was a tremendous success. Thank you for the support along the way.

May 4, 2014

The WBU Lightweight Champion, Noah Zuhdi, is finally getting the opponent he wants on the date he wants.  Being the champion, one can dictate the terms of the fight.  Being of ring veteran status, one knows what and how to dictate.  That's what Noah--in conjunction with catBOX Entertainment--is doing with the latest defense of his lightweight championship at the OKC Downtown Airpark on Friday, June 6. 

 While Noah will be the first to give credit to everyone in his family, his esteemed trainer Dickie Wood, and everyone in Team Zuhdi, it is the mark of a professional and true champion to do what he has done over the last several months.  He could have taken a last minute opponent in April.  He could have shortchanged the Oklahoma boxing fans with a quick win.  He also could have let the boxing machine (or maybe monster is a more appropriate word?) dictate what his next move would be. 

But he didn't.

Knowing he would not be able to give his best in late April or May because of training fatigue, nor would he be able give his best against the best opposition, Noah changed plans and took command of his career outside the ring.  He essentially created his own path--like he has with previous successes--and plans to travel along it to a second successful defense of his title.  First, the date was changed to June 6 because he needed to properly cycle his training and regroup.  Then, modifications were made to his training and travel plans, which will be detailed on this site at a later date in an exclusive feature article.  Lastly, a worthy opponent was penciled in.

When looking at the list of possible challengers, facing a young, hungry, and off-kilter opponent with a clean 13-1 record is not always the first choice.  For Noah, it was.  In what should be another action-packed fight based on their styles, he'll be entering into the ring against Eduardo Pereira dos Reis.  The tough Brazilian will be a tough out--he can be tough to time, throws a sharp jab, and oozes with both confidence and a methodical manner at the same time.  

Noah knows this will be just as difficult as some of his recent fights, but that is precisely what Noah wants:  a challenge.  Setting new challenges for himself and meeting those challenges head on with a focused, zen-like quality is what has set him apart from the local boxing scene and on the verge of the national spotlight.  Setting and meeting challenges.  Creating a path for himself and walking it--that is what he has done and will continue to do.

March 31, 2014

In the three ring circus that is boxing, there are plenty of clowns, lion-like predators, and brave souls who dare to walk the tightrope on a regular basis.  Noah Zuhdi has been walking the tightrope for over two months now, training for a fight that does not seem to want to happen. 

Priolo was scratched out as an opponent about two weeks ago due to visa issues.  CatBOX Entertainment and their contacts had been shuffling ever since to secure an opponent.  They entered talks with Brazilian prospect Eduardo Pereira dos Reis (13-1, 8 KOs), but settling visas in the timeframe allotted proved to be an impossibility.  Noah is consistently looking for not just an opponent, but a worthy challenger and exciting fighter.  Doing so on short notice seemed to shortchange everyone involved after the previously scheduled fighters pulled out earlier this month.

The enigmatic and sometimes clownish fighters, the demands of international fights, and the attitudes of those in power normally lead to a fight that is just as mentally and emotionally exhausting outside the ring as it is inside it.  The card has been tentatively rescheduled for June 6.  It is our hope to get more substantial news and insights in the coming weeks.  Stay tuned here for official responses from Noah and Team Zuhdi.

March 5, 2014

In a stunning and, at times, befuddling turn of events, Noah Zuhdi has a new challenger to his WBU lightweight crown.  Emil Pop backed out of the agreed upon fight with Noah in what could be construed as unprofessional behavior--Pop never stated or submitted a reasonable excuse.  Seeking out a better challenge even if it means taking on someone with a less flashy record, a fight has been set with perennial contender, Angel Antonio Priolo (31-9, 21 KOs).

Priolo is a prototypically savvy veteran who has given several world champions all that they can handle.  While it might be a stretch to call him a gatekeeper for the lightweight division as his time as a lightweight has been limited, the Colombian challenger will serve as a litmus test for Noah. A win here lets the world know that Noah can win the same type of fight that Israel Vazquez, Abner Mares, and Brian Viloria did.  A win here lets Noah know just how much he has progressed as a fighter--is he able to take down someone with twice as much experience and, perhaps, twice as many tricks as he has?

There were several unknowns with the previously proposed bout with Pop, but with Priolo, Noah knows what he's getting into--an all out battle with a tough fighter.  In a brief conversation with us this past weekend, Noah maintained his confident attitude and reitterated that he relishes the quest, the challenge.  It's a chance to put everything together against a world class fighter in front of the hometown crowd at the Biltmore Hotel on April 5.

It may not be an optimal situation for Noah, but it is a step up.  It is a step forward.  It will have to do even if he is ready to make a leap.

Comments or questions?  Contact Us.

February 21, 2014

Official word broke out today that Noah Zuhdi's next defense of his lightweight championship is imminent and a challenger has been confirmed.  Hailing from Spain via Romania, the undefeated Emil Pavel Pop is the latest international fighter to step foot in Oklahoma to challenge for Noah's WBU title on April 5.

Pop--a fighter's name if there ever was one--is no pushover.  Not only does he not know the taste of defeat inside the boxing ring, Pop was a decorated kickboxer as well.  He is essentially a fighter's fighter, ruggedness personified. 

As the world tour continues within the confines of Oklahoma (this will be Noah's third consecutive opponent from a different continent), Noah will actually be venturing off to Colorado Springs in a week as his training intensifies under trainer Dickie Wood.  This website will be covering the training's progress in future updates.  For now, we caught up with the champ today, and he seemed in good spirits as he explained his expectations for his violent date at the Biltmore Hotel. 

Always ready and willing to test himself, Noah said, "I'm pretty happy that we got a challenger as good as him.  I'm looking forward to defending the championship against an opponent with a 16-0 record.  More than that, it's nice to do it in front of my hometown again.  I always want to put on the most exciting fight I can for the crowd."

Noah's been a proven showstopper thus far in his championship battles, including a 12-round war with German Jurado and a dynamic yet devasting knockout of Gyula Vajda.  And if styles make fights, this third title fight promises just as much action. 

Continue to visit NoahZuhdi.com for training camp coverage and boxing news as April 5th creeps closer.  You can always contact us with your reactions or questions for the "Ask the Champ" feature as well. 

January 27, 2014

Another big defense of Noah's WBU Lightweight Championship is on the horizon.  While negotiations with a potential opponent are still ongoing, we can confirm that the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City has successfully bid on staging the championship fight. After near sellouts in his last two title fights in the OKC area, Noah has no problem defending the championship in his hometown.  The location and ease of access to the hotel could make this upcoming bout the largest attended event to date.  

At this point, it looks as if April 5, 2014, will be the lucky night. Save the date and start making some plans to attend.  More links and ticket information will be posted when the fight card is made official by catBOX Entertainment.

Stay tuned here at NoahZuhdi.com for updates on the fight, training camp, and the general chaos the boxing world brings.