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The boxer that trained Michael B. Jordan for 'Creed III' is speaking at SFU

The Coquitlam-based Gamar Foundation is hosting a fireside chat with Ann "Mitt Queen" Najjar at the Burnaby campus on Monday, Feb. 12.
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer

Ann Najjar has become the boxing and martial arts coach to the stars.

Widely known as "The Mitt Queen," her most recent high-profile student was Michael B. Jordan in training him for his leading role in Creed III, which was also his Hollywood directoral début.

On Monday, Feb. 12, Najjar will be connecting with Metro Vancouver residents and students as she's the latest guest speaker for The Gamar Foundation's Let Her Lead initiative.

Najjar will be conducting an hour-long "fireside chat" at SFU's Burnaby campus "to inspire, empower and connect young people."

"As parents, we’ve seen firsthand that young people can be sources of inspiration and catalysts of change," said Naomi Khan of The Gamar Foundation in a news release. She and Adel Gamar co-founded the Coquitlam-based organization.

"We formed Gamar Foundation to provide the space and tools for young people to learn, connect, and grow together."

Najjar was raised in San Diego after her parents moved to the U.S. from Iraq.

She's since become an internet personality and professional boxing coach, training athletes, actors and other celebrities.

In fact, she was credited for shaping Jordan's "convincing turn as pro boxer Adonis Creed" by GQ Magazine. She was also cast in Creed III, which made $275.3 million at the box office.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ann Najjar (@mittqueen)

"I believe girls and women have agency to enhance our world while achieving their dreams," added Adel Gamar, noting women in positions of power and influence are whom they turn to for the foundation's series.

"At Let Her Lead, we help remove barriers to women’s advancement while supporting them to attain positions of power and influence."

Najjar is scheduled to speak in the SFSS Ballroom on the fifth floor of the SFU Student Union building (8888 University Dr.) from 5 to 6 p.m.

Her appearance is collaboration between The Gamar Foundation and five SFU student groups:

  • Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS)
  • Student Athlete Advisory Committee
  • SFU Residence Hall Association
  • SFU Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry
  • The Society of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ann Najjar (@mittqueen)