Noah Zuhdi

Noah Zuhdi (born February 27, 1983) is a former college basketball player, former professional boxer and World Boxing Union (WBU) Lightweight Champion, and current American entrepreneur based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is the grandson of renowned heart surgeon Nazih Zuhdi and son of attorney Nabil "Bill" Zuhdi.

Early life Zuhdi is the only child born to Janet Denker and Nabil "Bill" Zuhdi on February 27, 1983, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Zuhdi's athleticism quickly pronounced itself as he played for Heritage Hall High School and became a standout point guard for the team. By his senior year of high school, Zuhdi's strong performances on the court would earn him a nomination to McDonald's High School All American basketball team in 2001. After graduation, Zuhdi would progress to collegiate basketball, first with Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, and then with St. Gregory's University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. It was at St. Gregory's University where he would go on to be named an NAIA Academic All American.

With his basketball eligibility winding down in college, Zuhdi focused on two other outlets to build and display his various skills: law and boxing. After graduating from St. Gregory's University, Zuhdi was accepted into and entered Oklahoma University's School of Law . While simultaneously training for boxing and studying, Zuhdi found success in both fields as he graduated from the School of Law in 2009 and became a champion in boxing.

Professional boxing career

Zuhdi forewent amateur bouts and started his professional boxing career on November 18, 2007. He would win his pro debut against Rafael Torres via TKO in Round 1. Under the guidance of Sean O'Grady and Buck Smith, Zuhdi's early years were so successful that he won The Daily Oklahoman's Prospect of the Year award. His rise up the ranks of boxing was cemented with a first round knockout of fellow undefeated fighter, George Colbert, in a bout for the Oklahoma State Lightweight Championship on November 24, 2008, in a highly contentious atmosphere at Remington Park in Oklahoma City. Before the bout with Colbert, Zuhdi observed, "It was the best atmosphere yet. You had my fans and his fans going back and forth." Zuhdi would win the Oklahoma State Lightweight Championship with the victory.

Following his championship victory, Zuhdi won his next four fights, amassing a 9-0 record at the time. All of those wins would come by knockout. He would lose to Reymundo Hernandez in his 10th professional fight before bouncing back with five straight victories and joining with veteran trainer Dickie Wood. He proceeded to get his 15th victory over Richard Flores by unanimous decision, setting himself up for a WBU Lightweight Championship bout with German Jurado.

WBU Lightweight Championship reign (2012–2014) On September 20, 2012, at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Zuhdi fought a spirited battle against Jurado for 12 rounds, ultimately earning a unanimous decision and winning the WBU Lightweight Championship. Taking place in front of a sold-out crowd at the Lucky Star Casino in Concho, Oklahoma, the hard-hitting affair was brief but explosive. Significant shots were landed by both fighters in the first round with Zuhdi scoring a knockdown over Vajda. In the second round, Zuhdi knocked Vajda down again with a devastating barrage started by an overhand right, this second knockdown putting Vajda down for good. In a post-fight interview, Zuhdi stated, "I knew I had to do something quick in the second because I could see his demeanor change after the first knockdown. It was a great win. I give my opponent a lot of credit—he hit hard, he stayed in there, and he fought to get up (after getting knocked down). I'm happy with the result, but I'm looking forward to what's next."

The second defense of Zuhdi's championship occurred at the OKC Downtown Airpark in Oklahoma City on June 6, 2014. He would face off with Eduardo Pereira Dos Reis, a crafty fighter with only one loss on his record at the time of the fight. While previous fights had shown Zuhdi gutting out a fight and using his power to secure victories, this fight relied on strategy and patience. With each passing round, Zuhdi would fare significantly better, leading to combinations, infighting, and eventually injuring Reis's ribs until he did not answer the bell and come out for the fifth round. After the bout, Zuhdi said, "I started out slow at first, but I was studying him. I felt I was significantly stronger and could break him down as the fight progressed[...] I was thrilled at the end, knowing that his will had been broken. I'm now 3-0 in title fights. I'm proving that I'm continually progressing against a level of competition that is increasingly higher."

Boxing retirement and recognition Zuhdi would not lose his WBU Lightweight Championship in the ring and would walk away quietly from boxing to pursue various business ventures. His gloves from his first championship bout were collected and recorded by the Oklahoma History Center. His career accomplishments were featured in Bob Burke's Uniquely Oklahoma history book. His professional boxing record stands at 18-1, 1 NC (14 KOs). He is featured in their Oklahoma Sports Heroes exhibit. His world championship belt, boxing trunks, and biography were put on display in an exhibit that the Oklahoma Historical Society proclaimed, "Highlights the achievements of Oklahoma athletes across various sports, linking them to the historical context and events during their careers[...] Visitors will recognize sports legends such as Jim Thorpe and Mickey Mantle alongside athletes from recent years, including Kaleo Kanahele Maclay and Noah Zuhdi. Guests can revisit beloved sports icons and discover new sports heroes." To the present day, the growing company has earned multiple service awards from Angi (formerly Angie's List) and Home Advisor.

Professional boxing record Noah Zuhdi's 20-bout professional boxing record to date: