Ben Rabah

Naoufel Ben Rabah was born in Tunisia on November 18, 1977. He is a boxer in the Light-welterweight Division.

Ben Rabah competed during the 2000 Sydney Olympics representing his native country. He lost during the competition’s first round of elimination. Nevertheless, his loss did not stop him from pursuing his dreams. It has been the wish of Ben Rabah to remove his family from an impoverished state in Tunisia. His income as a Tunisian, boxer, however, was not enough. He was earning only $200 for every month. Thus, he decided to abandon his own team to become a boxer for Australia. He applied for citizenship, which was then approved later. His salary then increased to a whooping $2,000 per week.

He became a professional boxer in 2001, and his year definitely started right. He immediately had 7 straight wins against the likes of James Swan, Damian Loder, Michael Kimmuray, Sebua Mendocino, and Adrian Campbell. His first loss was against Fred Kinuthia for the Australian Welterweight title. The event was held on February 8, 2002. By July 30, 2004, he gained the Asia-Pacific Light Welterweight title by defeating David Wiremu. He was also able to defend the same against Dairo Esalas on March 5, 2005.

One of his biggest bouts was against Juan Urango. It was a match for the IBF Light Welterweight title, which was left vacant. Held at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Florida, USA, and on June 30, 2006, the fight was the first non-Australian bout for Ben Rabah.

The competition last for 12 good rounds, where in the end Urango capped the title. However, it was not without any fanfare. A lot of boxing fans, especially those who are based in Miami, believed that Ben Rabah should have won the game based on the landed punches. Nevertheless, all three judges were in favor of Urango.