READ: ISIS Member Goes Up Against Anthony Joshua Inside A Ring

former opponent if Anthony Joshua eventually went on to join the ISIS. What triggered this decision and how did it all play out?

A former in-ring competitor of Anthony Joshua, Tariq Abdul Haqq walked away from the world of boxing after facing two world heavyweight champions. Being the last man to bring a boxing medal back home to Trinidad and Tobago, instead of being a symbol off pride, he defended down into a life of religious extremism.

Haqq’s national coach, Reynold Cox said, “I think if Tariq had continued, he would probably be doing really well over the next few years.” As a stand out amateur, Haqq brought huge success to his nation in the field of boxing. He faced Joshua at the World Championships in 2011. And just a few months prior to this, he humbled New Zealand’s highly-rated youngster, Joseph Parker.

Haqq, from his early days itself, showed great potential. He even appeared in the local newspaper. And was called ‘schoolboy gladiator’. His father Yaqub was a boxing coach. Eventually, Haqq was taken out of school to prioritize a career in boxing.

Tariq Abdul Haqq secured a spot on the Trinidad and Tobago team for the Commonwealth Games. He outdid himself at Delhi and outclassed a Pakistani opponent with a landslide victory. His final fight worth noting came against Anthony Joshua.

What went down post the Anthony Joshua fight

With only a few points between the fighters, Anthony Joshua kicked into overdrive and ended it in the 3rd round. And this was nearly the end of Haqq’s career as a boxer. Haqq speaking to The Trinidad Guardian said, “I feel as if boxing in Trinidad makes no sense and no one really cares.” And that was the last time we heard of the boxer.
Until years later, he reappeared in the papers. This time for a reason no one could foresee. It was in an article and a documentary about recruits for Islamic State.

Jürgen Todenhöfer, the first western journalist to be granted access to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria and Iraq, said, “There was a guy from the Caribbean. Very good looking. Very charming. Stylish, Ray-Ban glasses. And I said, ‘what are you doing here? What have you done before?’ He said, ‘I’m going to do whatever the caliph (Islamic State ruler) is asking’.”

Haqq was accompanied by his wife and sister, who revealed how the death of their father in an accidental shooting was the catalyst that pushed Tariq towards religious extremism. Cottee has confirmed to Sky Sports that Haqq was killed in 2015, and months prior to this sustained grave injuries in Syria. The bombing resulted in him losing one of his hands, the source of his talent.

Tariq Abdul Haqq’s name is still mentioned back in Trinidad and Tobago. Although just for his sporting achievements.