Mashhadi.

DEARBORN HEIGHTS — Husam Mashhadi, a seventh grader at Riverside Middle School, recently won the National James Tony boxing tournament in Ann Arbor and secured his fourth championship belt. 

“We are so happy about and proud of our son,” said Mashhadi’s father, Ayad Mashhadi. 

Only 12-years-old, Mashhadi has already competed in more than 40 boxing tournaments; won 18 medals and won several awards in the profession. He won championship belts in 2010, 2011 and 2012. His siblings are also involved in boxing and body building and his father was also involved in sports when he lived in Iraq. 

Mashhadi thanked his trainer of six years, Majed Frida, for helping him prepare for the tournament. Mashhadi said he has aspirations of becoming a professional boxer someday, and admires famous boxer Floyd Mayweather. 

He also had the opportunity to meet late Detroit-based boxer and trainer Emanuel Steward. 

“He always used to motivate me,” Mashhadi said, adding that his own advice to others who hope to become just as successful in boxing is work hard and train hard. He said it pays off.