Each year at Fight for Peace, we take immense pride in celebrating the achievements of our young people – not only for what they accomplish in the ring, but for the way they grow as leaders, teammates and role models beyond it. From sporting excellence to youth leadership and employability, these moments remind us why we do what we do.

This year, we are proud to announce Asmaa Abdalla as the recipient of the Sam Bezzina Memorial Trophy for Boxing, and Muadh Ahmed as the recipient of the Ricardo Có Memorial Trophy for Muay Thai. Selected by our team of coaches, both athletes were recognised for the way they consistently embody the values of Fight for Peace – Embracing, Solidarity, Champion, Inspiring and Courage.

Among the most meaningful recognitions at Fight for Peace, the Boxing and Muay Thai Memorial Trophies honour athletes whose impact goes far beyond results or titles. These awards celebrate character, consistency and the positive influence our young people have on those around them, in and out of training.

The trophies themselves carry deep significance within the Fight for Peace community. The Boxing Memorial Trophy is awarded in memory of Sam Bezzina, our much loved former Head Boxing Coach, who sadly passed away in 2020. 

The Muay Thai Memorial Trophy honours Ricardo Có, an inspiring athlete whose strength, humility and resilience left a lasting mark on our community. Both Sam and Ricardo shaped Fight for Peace in profound ways, and these awards allow their legacies to live on through the next generation.

Since joining the Fight for Peace boxing competitors team, Asmaa has consistently demonstrated what it means to live the organisation’s values. She is committed, supportive and constantly striving to improve – both in her own performance and in the way she contributes to the space around her. 

After completing her England Boxing Level 1 coaching qualification, Asmaa has become a valuable asset in supporting coaches to deliver sessions, offering leadership with humility and enthusiasm. Her smile and energy fill the room, creating an environment where others feel motivated, welcome and encouraged to grow.

On receiving the award, Asmaa shared heartfelt words of gratitude for those who have supported her journey: “Thank you to all of the coaches for always motivating me and keeping me consistent – for pushing me and being patient with me no matter how I come into training. And to Raluca for always pushing me too, as we are the only two women in the competitors team.”

In Asmaa, Sam Bezzina’s legacy of care, belief and commitment to young people continues to shine brightly and we are excited to see what’s next for her in her boxing journey.

Muadh’s journey is equally powerful, reflecting the resilience, discipline and generosity that Ricardo Có embodied during his time at Fight for Peace. In presenting the award, Head muay thai Coach Star shared that Muadh was chosen for the way he fully embraces the qualities of both a martial artist and a Fight for Peace role model, noting the strong parallels between Muadh’s character and Ricardo’s own journey through adversity.

Over the past year, Muadh has completed his Level 1 Boxing Coaching Qualification as well as his Level 3 Personal Training qualification, and has consistently given his time to support sessions, mentor younger fighters and bring competitive teams together beyond training. His commitment is reflected not only in his qualifications, but in his presence – missing just two or three muay thai and MMA sessions over a six month period – and in the genuine care he shows for the wider community.

Asmaa and Muadh’s achievements remind us that true success is not measured solely by trophies or victories, but by courage, consistency, and the commitment to uplifting others along the way. While these awards celebrate excellence in combat sport, their deeper significance lies in the example Asmaa and Muadh set every day – showing current and new Fight for Peace members what it truly means to lead with integrity, inspire through action, and help shape young people’s futures rooted in strength, compassion, and belief.

A huge well done to Asmaa and Muadh, and a big thank you to our coaches for their ongoing support, encouragement and dedication to our young athletes. The Sam Bezzina and Ricardo Có Memorial Trophies are proudly displayed in the Fight for Peace gym, engraved each year with the winners’ names and accompanied by their photographs – be sure to come through and check them out.