From Iranian exile to boxing title shot: Mobin Kahraze's fight for a new life
Mobin Kahraze, a 32-year-old Iranian boxer, fled his homeland seven years ago for political reasons. After seeking asylum in Austria, he has rebuilt his life—and his boxing career—with the help of a local club. Now, he is preparing for the most important fight of his career while hoping to reunite with his family one day.
Kahraze left Iran in 2019, leaving his family behind. He spent two months in the Traiskirchen asylum centre before settling in Austria. Determined to continue boxing, he found the Bounce Boxing Club online, where the late national coach took him under his wing and helped him return to the sport.
His persistence paid off. In 2021, he won Austria's national championship title. The following year, he turned professional and has remained undefeated ever since. Now, he is training for a WBF title fight scheduled for June 5, with a warm-up match against Lithuanian Aliaksandr Dzemka on March 21. Away from the ring, Kahraze is adapting to life in Austria. He is learning Viennese slang, searching for work—especially as an auto mechanic—and wants to give back to his new home. He is also in a relationship with someone he met through boxing. Despite his progress, he still misses his family. He has not seen them since leaving Iran and hopes they can one day join him in Austria.
Kahraze's journey from political exile to professional boxing has been long and difficult. With a title fight approaching, he remains focused on his career while building a future in Austria. His story reflects both resilience and the challenges of starting over in a new country.
