Imad Hadar
Early Life and Introduction to Kickboxing
Imad Hadar was born on May 12, 1998, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, to Moroccan parents originally from Casablanca. Growing up in a multicultural environment, Imad was exposed to various influences, but it was the world of martial arts that truly captured his attention. He began his kickboxing journey at the age of 10 and quickly developed a passion for the sport. His early training also included karate and taekwondo, which helped shape his versatile fighting style.
Despite facing setbacks in his amateur career—losing his first four fights—Imad showed resilience and determination. By the time he turned 16, he had started to string together victories in amateur competitions, setting the stage for his professional career. Imad’s perseverance during these formative years laid the foundation for his future success as a professional kickboxer.
Professional Career and Achievements
At just 17 years old, Imad Hadar made his professional debut, quickly establishing himself as a rising star in the kickboxing world. He became the youngest fighter ever to sign with GLORY Kickboxing, one of the sport’s most prestigious organizations. His career highlights include winning the AFC K-1 Championship in both the -90kg and -95kg weight categories. In 2019, Imad claimed the AFC Light Heavyweight World Champion title, solidifying his place among the top fighters in his division.
However, Imad’s career faced a major setback when personal challenges forced him out of the ring for nearly two years. During this time, he struggled with his mother’s long battle with cancer, which she had been fighting since Imad was just 13 years old. The emotional toll of caring for her, combined with other personal difficulties, led to a hiatus from competitive fighting. Despite this challenging period, Imad remained committed to his training and personal growth. This all leaded to his comeback bout against Muszynski at GLORY 87, which symbolized overcoming personal challenges outside of the ring.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Outside of the ring, Imad Hadar is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He is one of the founders of Life Changing Group, an organization dedicated to helping young people navigate life’s challenges through mentorship and guidance. His personal experiences with adversity have fueled his desire to make a positive impact on others.
Despite being an elite athlete with numerous accolades to his name, Imad remains humble and grounded. One lesser-known fact about him is that he enjoys spending time playing video games—particularly on his PlayStation to unwind after intense training sessions. His story is not just one of athletic prowess but also of resilience, community involvement, and personal growth.