The Hamburg-based association “Kampf deines Lebens” (Fight for your life) aims to protect young people from precarious living conditions. Behind it are founder and Universum boss Ismail Özen-Otto and sports director Robert Harutyunyan.
Universum boss Ismail Özen-Otto is one of the most successful German promoters. From light-heavyweight to heavyweight – his boxers are currently storming the rankings. In another coup, the Hamburg native is bringing this year’s WBC Convention to the Elbe. In 2019, Özen-Otto revitalized “Universum Boxing” and is steadily developing it into one of the leading international boxing stables.
What is less well known is that the promoter founded the non-profit association “Fight for your life” in 2013. The aim of the association is to protect children, young people and prospective adults from precarious living conditions. These include poverty, challenging employment conditions, a lack of language and integration skills and a low level of education.
“Diligence, discipline and respect”
In an interview with the “Hamburger Morgenpost” newspaper, Özen-Otto explained: “We have recognized that many socially disadvantaged children and young people simply let themselves down due to a lack of prospects, opportunities and motivation and then slip into the criminal or violent scene. We have brought them into our boxing gym and try to teach them what really leads to recognition and success in life: Hard work, discipline and – most importantly – respect.”
The Harutyunyan brothers Artem and Robert were among the first professional boxers at Özen-Otto’s Universum Boxing. Both were previously figureheads of the German Boxing Association (DBV), and Artem crowned his career in Olympic boxing with bronze at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Robert has been the sports director of “Kampf deines Lebens” since 2020 and is someone who has had to work hard for everything, including his sporting successes. The ex-professional knows that boxing in particular can be an outlet – and that everyone can break through any vicious circle as long as they believe in themselves. He sees it as his mission to awaken and nurture this belief.
Harutyunyan also develops performance boxers
At “Kampf deines Lebens”, Robert is a one-man show: from the organization to the structures to the training, he redesigned many things and also developed competitive boxers who fight for medals internationally.
Six times a week, from 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., training takes place on the grounds of the “Alte Marzipanfabrik” on Friesenweg in Hamburg-Ottensen. The air in the chic training facility doesn’t smell of sweet cookies, but of sweat and the leather of the sandbags that the athletes hit. Robert trains children, beginners and fitness boxers there. He also gives special courses for women and coaches the competitive boxers. The club has 300 members, with the number of course participants fluctuating between 30 and 35.
Advantageous proximity to Universum
As a former DBV and Universum ace, training competitive boxers is his hobbyhorse. There are twenty-seven of them. Robert can be found at tournaments with his fighters several times a month. To prepare for championships, the elder of the two Harutyunyan brothers takes his athletes to the federal training center in Schwerin. The proximity to Universum also has advantages that hardly any other club has: He can invite the Universum professionals to competition sparring, the short distances make it possible. In addition, “Kampf deines Lebens” organizes four of its own tournaments a year. The “KDL Fight Nights” and “Christmas Boxing” are known throughout the country.
Robert is in contact with the teachers of his athletes. If the feedback from the teachers is poor, there is a discussion between him and the boxer. In most cases, the result is that the boys and girls in question are excluded from training until their grades pick up again. The same applies to school reports: Good grades mean bonus training, bad grades mean suspension.
Numerous titles for the club
Robert’s sporting measures took effect: in 2021, the club produced six Hamburg and four North German champions. A year later, the “Kampf deines Lebens” club produced four more Hamburg champions, while Shmavon Hovhannisyan and Miles Okay also won titles as German champions. In 2023, five of his club boxers won the Hamburg championship title – and Miles Okay took second place at the U19 European Championships in the 51 kg category. This year, Islam Agaev qualified for the German Elite Championships in Halle/Saale, which is why they are hoping for a medal at the “Alte Marzipanfabrik”.
Robert predicts a bright future for Miles Okay: “National squad and sports support group. We will tackle the Olympics in 2028.” A performance boost is also on the cards for the women. “Saphir Seifert wants to set her sights on the DM after her Abi and three other talents are ready,” says the coach.
Awarded the Integration Prize
Despite the different groups, ages and levels of ability, togetherness, mutual support and cohesion are encouraged, as are social commitment and sporting performance. Robert calls it “quality time”. This includes their own boxing events, bowling tournaments, group meals and trips to the movies. The highlight is the annual barbecue in the summer.
In 2022, the Altona district assembly awarded the “Kampf deines Lebens” association the Integration Prize. “The association does very good work for children and young people in our district,” praised head of office Stefanie von Berg. We are happy to join in the praise.
Text: Wolfgang Wycisk