By Chris Robinson
Throughout any year, you will find countless faces coming in and out of the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Getting a taste of the gym has been something that has had a great impact on many fighters from the professional to amateur level, often to the point that one visit can never be enough.
Such is the case with aspiring amateur Mohammed Faisal, also known as ‘Fes Batista’.
Growing up in Yorkshire, England, it was former junior welterweight champion Amir Khan whom Batista initially looked up to with great reverence, but it is another boxing family who has helped him to create even more buzz in his career.
Batista established a friendship with Floyd’s uncle Jeff Mayweather over the past few years and soon an invitation was on the table for an exclusive visit to one of the most prominent gyms in the sport of boxing.
For a few months this past summer, Batista would soak up life in Las Vegas, training ardently at the Mayweather Boxing Club while also getting a taste for life on the strip.
More than anything, while in training it seemed to be Batista’s bond with Jeff that highlighted his regimen.
“Working with Jeff is a huge blessing for me,” Batista recently claimed. “I’ve learned so much from him. We had an instant connection from the first time I met him. In the ring, Jeff has told me about my huge punching power but he also teaches me the importance of defense and the art of stalking opponents and how to cut off the ring and trap my opponents.”
Aside from working with a world-class trainer, Batista has also discovered a genuine friend in Mayweather.
“We love boxing and we both enjoy having fun,” Batista continued. “I speak with Jeff about things that I don’t speak about with anyone else. We have a very strong connection, it feels like family. He is a wise man and guides me where I need it. It’s really funny, I call Jeff sergeant and he calls me private; it’s always a good laugh. He is a very positive person and that rubs off to others.”
Anyone who spends a reasonable amount of time in the gym can spot all of the talent that rotates throughout the facility and Batista was quick to pay his respect to his fellow brethren.
“The Mayweather Boxing Club is the best in the world, so as one would imagine the training is amazing,” Batista continued. “There are so many great fighters and coaches there to learn from; it’s a boxer’s paradise.”
Batista’s time wasn’t just limited to the gym, as he also got a taste of the fast-paced lifestyle that comes with life in the city. And even though learning the ins and outs of the V.I.P. hosting business and hitting up some clubs had its appeal, it seemed to be the warmth he received from the area’s locals and even some visitors that Batista remembers best.
“I think one of the biggest impressions Vegas has had on me comes from the people,” Batista continued. “The people are really friendly and treat me very well. I've met some of the most beautiful people in the world here, it’s great. It helps that the people tend to be very good looking too!”
Now back home in Yorkshire, Batista has been working on his strength training while looking to build a solid professional team around him. More so now than ever has he realized the business side of the sport, without even having had his first professional fight to date.
Batista is relishing another opportunity to return to Las Vegas and is keeping a modest approach about everything.
“The future is to remain calm and remember boxing is a tough sport and that rushing into things will not be beneficial,” claimed Batista, remembering words from Roger Mayweather. “I will take my time and listen to the advice of Jeff, who is guiding me. I plan to have a brief amateur career and turn pro once my team is satisfied with everything. Ultimately, like every boxer in the world, I would like to become a champion.”
