On the set of a new campaign for Infinix smartphones, 19-year-old Ahavat Hashem Gordon is reflecting on more than just a win. His recent TKO victory over Turkish fighter Ali Koyuncu has catapulted him from a prospect to a national symbol, largely due to the charged atmosphere surrounding the bout.
More Than a Sport: A National Mission
The fight against Koyuncu was personal before it even began. According to Gordon, the Turkish opponent posted pro-Palestinian content and antisemitic remarks on social media in the lead-up to the event.
"It wasn't just a sports match anymore; it became nationalist," Gordon told Srugim. "The whole story, my name [which translates to 'Love of God'], the Turkish opponent, and what happened before, made the victory mean so much more." Gordon admitted that the hostility gave him a distinct incentive: "It gave me a drive not to have mercy on him. I got inside his head."
Faith as an Identity, Not a Choice
Gordon drew significant attention for entering the ring wearing a Kippah (yarmulke) and Tzitzit, a rarity in high-level combat sports where such items can be seen as a professional risk or a distraction.
When asked if he would ever consider removing the Kippah to avoid controversy or career risk, Gordon was unwavering. "There is no option to take it off," he said. "It is part of me; it’s inseparable. Without the Kippah, something would be missing."
