Who is Fes Batista and what is his connection to Lady Gaga? Incredible story of how the influencer boxer bounced back from the brink of suicide

The Fes Batista-Lady Gaga story is a unique one in the world of combat sports. Batista, whose real name is Mohammed Faisal, is an influencer boxer whose deepest admiration is reserved not for another fighter but for the aforementioned pop music icon.

This, however, stems not from a lifelong exposure to the artist but from a chance encounter with her music. It was a remarkable turn of events for a man who wasn't always on the path of boxing.

Yet, Batista is now set to take part in Misfits Boxing 18, but just how did he author such an uncanny journey, and what part did Gaga play in his journey?

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Who is Fes Batista?

Born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England, the now 34-year-old Fes Batista's first love was football. However, upon discovering boxing, he never looked back, spending over a decade working for the WBC as an anti-bullying ambassador and even training under the legendary Roy Jones Jr.

In fact, he made his professional boxing debut on a Jones undercard on March 28, 2015, beating Lawrence Purifoy, who he would go on to beat again on June 2, 2018. Years later, he was signed by Misfits Boxing.

Check out Fes Batista vs. Ben Williams:

He faced Ben Williams, who fought recently at Misfits Boxing 17, in an exhibition bout on Jan. 20 at Misfits Boxing 12, but fell short. Now, he is looking to return to winning ways with a Misfits Boxing 18 light heavyweight matchup against Idris Virgo next weekend on Sep. 14.

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What is Fes Batista's connection to Lady Gaga?

During his days as a university student, Batista's gregarious spirit was crushed under the weight of constant, racially charged bullying. Due to his name and Pakistani ancestry, he was scorned.

On one day in particular, he was even labeled a terrorist, a taled he recounted to the Yorkshire Post in an exclusive interview. It was upon his arrival home, when YouTube was playing music randomly, that a Lady Gaga song, 'Marry the Night,' began.

During a sitdown with All Out Fighting, Batista detailed the song's impact on his life.

"I'm a huge, huge fan. I love her message, I love who she is, I love the creativity, and I'm not afraid to say it. In the sport of boxing, people laugh sometimes and say, 'Oh, that's the Gaga guy.' But I'm very proud because if it wasn't for her song, 'Marry the Night,' I'd be dead in a box."

Check out Fes Batista detail his admiration for Lady Gaga (14:17):

Despite being known for his connection to the singer, 'The Monster,' who is 34 years old, is carving out his own identity in 'The Sweet Science.