Ramzi Hilal Heads to Dakar With His Father in His Corner

Lebanon’s Ramzi Hilal will compete in the men’s 55-kilogram division at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games with his father and coach, Wissam Hilal, in his corner. World Boxing profiled the pair Wednesday ahead of the November 7–12 boxing competition.

Wissam, a former international boxer for Lebanon, began teaching his son when Ramzi was eight. The younger Hilal progressed into the national team under his father’s coaching.

Ramzi secured his Dakar selection following his participation in the World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok, where Wissam also served as his coach. The federation’s report describes a partnership that has continued throughout his development.

Hilal won Lebanese national championships from 2022 through 2026 and took silver at this year’s Arab Boxing Championships in Jordan. His preparation has also included training camps in Bahrain, Thailand, Jordan, Egypt and Uzbekistan.

Born in Germany in May 2009, Hilal moved to Lebanon as a young child. He now heads to Dakar with the coach who introduced him to the sport and previously represented the same country inside the ring.