Meet Albert, a boxing enthusiast and host on Nohô

On Nohô, every encounter opens the door to a whole new world. Here, you don’t need to be an expert—all you need is curiosity. Enthusiasts share what inspires them and invite everyone to discover what drives them.

Today, we’re meeting Albert, a boxer on the rise toward the professional ranks. Combining discipline, a knack for connecting with others, and an artistic eye, he shares his unique vision of boxing… and so much more.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Albert; I’m 30 years old, turning 31 in August. In my day-to-day life, I work as a night receptionist at a hotel in Paris’s 14th arrondissement. I work from Friday through Monday or Tuesday morning, depending on the week. It’s a unique schedule, but it allows me to cover my daily expenses, my equipment… and above all, my boxing training. Because, deep down, that’s what truly drives me.

I’ve been competing as an amateur for about 6–7 years now, and I’ve been in the boxing circuit for nearly a decade. I practice English boxing, I live in Puteaux, and I train in Boulogne-Billancourt at the Point de Départ Boxing Club. Today, I’m turning pro in 2026, with 20 fights, 15 wins, including 7 KOs.

What has your athletic background been like?

Like many people, I started out playing soccer. But I was a pretty energetic person; I needed physical contact.

My father is a karateka—a third-degree black belt in Shotokan karate—so I naturally followed that path for a while. I trained up to the blue belt, but it didn’t quite suit me. It was too structured for me. I needed something more direct, more “punchy.” A sport where you really go at it.

In fact, I remember that in karate, they already called me “the boxer.” So, it was already there somewhere.

What are your goals for 2026?

2026 is a pivotal year with my transition to the professional ranks. The goal is to have about ten fights during the 2026–2027 transition and start aiming for European titles, particularly the EBU (European Boxing Union) belt.

I’d also like to compete in the African Championships with the ABU, and why not an intercontinental championship, even if that’s probably more for 2027.

And in the long term?

In the long term, clearly: the world championships. It doesn’t matter which federation—whether French, British, or American. What matters is reaching that level.

Is there an age limit for reaching this level in boxing?

Not really. Combat sports are different from other sports like soccer. As long as your body can handle it, you’re in shape, and you’re well-prepared, you can keep going. There are boxers who fight until they’re 40, sometimes a little older. But that requires close attention to your health, especially when it comes to brain health. So there’s no set limit, but you have to listen to your body.

Are you following a specific training program?

Right now, I’m not in intense training for a specific fight, but I’m still being coached. I have a team with my head coach, Philippe Gomez, and his assistant René Briero, who is also the club’s founder. We work on technique, physical conditioning, and mental toughness. There are sparring sessions, technical drills… but also all the conditioning work outside of training.

What kind of experience do you offer at Nohô?

What I’d like to offer, above all, is a chance to connect. For people who aren’t familiar with combat sports at all, I can offer introductory boxing sessions right here at the gym in Boulogne. People come, take a class, and discover the sport.

But beyond that, what really interests me is the exchange. We can just hang out, chat at the gym, and share our worlds. I’m not into the “you do this, I do that” mindset. What I’m looking for is to create connections between passions.

For example, between boxing and painting, or other art forms. Because for me, beyond the sport, I have a real artistic sensibility. I have a professional portfolio, a vision where boxing is linked to imagery, to photography. I’m part of a visual, almost artistic approach. Photography, in particular, plays an important role in how I express boxing.