Ellis Badr Barboza is poised to complete an extraordinary journey, aiming to transition from a homeless child to a world champion.
He is set to challenge his personal icon, Prajanchai PK Saenchai, for the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai world championship in a live broadcast.
Barboza`s difficult childhood began in Birmingham at the age of six when he and his mother were left without a home.
It was a harsh period, during which they stayed in various shelters and hostels, wherever his mother could secure accommodation, sometimes resorting to sleeping on sofas or just a mattress on the floor.
Reflecting on his past, Barboza commented, “Looking back, I`ve come a significant distance from that young boy in Birmingham. I was a troubled kid, and with a lot going on, I felt lost.”
“It`s been a prolonged journey filled with highs and lows,” he added. “Not only in life but also in my sport – experiencing both victories and defeats. I`ve endured and persevered through it all. Because of that, I feel I`m incredibly close to demonstrating that it was all worthwhile.”
“Even though I`m only 24, I`ve matured considerably and come a long way from where I was. Nothing in this world can intimidate me now.”
“My life has already changed significantly. Winning the belt will transform it even further,” he stated.
“This opportunity means everything to me. It`s not just about the belt itself; it`s for my family – my mum, my sister. Everything that comes with being a champion is life-altering.”
“It opens doors to financial opportunities, business ventures, and success. This means more than anything else,” Barboza emphasized.
His world championship challenge is set for the early hours of Saturday morning against Prajanchai, who is currently a reigning two-sport world champion in both kickboxing and Muay Thai.
“I`m a massive fan of his,” Barboza admitted. “He`s a legend. It`s a tremendous honor to even have the chance to fight him. Securing the belt is one achievement, but overcoming an icon like him is a different accomplishment altogether. I used to study him while running on the treadmill, dreaming of one day competing in this promotion against fighters of his caliber.”
He continued, “Especially when I first started training as a young kid, he was always the champion in my weight class. So, I learned a great deal from watching him. Now, I get the opportunity to fight him.”
However, he also confidently asserted, “Prajanchai has had his time. It`s now the moment for a new generation.”
Barboza is convinced he can pull off an upset victory at Lumpinee Stadium in Thailand.
“I absolutely love this,” he declared. “In every fight where I`m perceived as the underdog, I flourish. It empowers me to make a statement.”
“I love being able to say, `I told you so.` I take pleasure in silencing the doubters. That`s the primary fuel for my drive. Just try and doubt me and witness the outcome.”
