Interview with Firat Arslan

In an interview with WBA boxing world champion Firat Arslan, we learn what true performance means to him and why passion is at the core of every success.

Hello Firat! What does performance mean to you personally, especially in the field of boxing?

For me, performance means bringing out the best in myself every day. In boxing, it's not just about being physically strong; it's also about being mentally and emotionally resilient. You have to work hard, constantly improve, and face challenges to be successful and stay that way. Performance in boxing means giving everything in the ring and never giving up, no matter how tough it gets. I always say: those who give their all have already won.

How did we actually meet? And what is your relationship with EMKA like?

EMKA is not just my sponsor; they are also a partner that shares my values and my approach to performance. They support my work, allowing me to focus on what I do best. Their products represent quality and performance, which fits perfectly with my lifestyle as a professional athlete. Moreover, the relationship is not superficial: knowing that I have the trust and support of a reputable company motivates me to train even harder.

What advice would you give to young athletes who want to reach the top in their sport?

My advice to young athletes is to set goals, work hard, and never lose faith in themselves. It took me nearly two decades of fighting to achieve my first world championship title. But I had promised myself that I would become a world champion and did everything I could to fulfill that promise—even when some thought it was impossible. I've experienced this many times in my career: when you win, you have many friends. When you lose, that's when you see who truly stands by you. The most important thing is: never give up on yourself. If you don't believe in yourself, who else will?

Is there a secret to performance that you can share with us in closing?

My answer is clear: my best-performance secret is my passion and love for the sport. Every time I step into the ring, I do it with incredible joy. What you enjoy, you succeed at, and what you succeed at brings you joy. This positive spiral can take you all the way to the top! Additionally, I have a strong support system around me, consisting of my family, my team, and my sponsors.