Mohammed Rabii receives his prize from AIBA President C K Wu ©AIBA

Moroccan welterweight Mohammed Rabii has been named boxer of the month for October by the International Boxing Association (AIBA).

The 22-year-old has scooped the award after becoming Africa's first ever gold medallist at the AIBA World Championships held in Qatar's capital Doha.

In the final, Rabii out-fought defending champion Daniyar Yeleussinov of Kazakhstan from the centre of the ring to claim an upset victory in a cracking contest.

His success continued an impressive run of form which saw him go unbeaten during the World Series of Boxing season with the Morocco Atlas Lions team.

That saw him crowned as the World Series' boxer of the year.

Morocco's Mohammed Rabii (blue) on his way to beating Kazakhstan's Daniyar Yeleussinov at the World Championships in Doha last month
Morocco's Mohammed Rabii (blue) on his way to beating Kazakhstan's Daniyar Yeleussinov at the World Championships in Doha last month ©Getty Images

“It was an incredible feeling to win the gold in Doha after a lot of hard work and an intense training schedule," said Rabii.

"I am honoured that AIBA have recognised that effort too."

Rabii was selected as October's winner by social media users after an AIBA panel put together a shortlist of those who had performed exceptionally in Doha.

He pipped Irish star Michael Conlan and French super heavyweight champion Tony Yoka to the accolade.

“Congratulations to Mohammed Rabii on his achievements in Doha and winning AIBA Boxer of the Month for October," said AIBA President C K Wu.

"It is with great pleasure that we saw the reaction of Morocco’s boxing fans to his gold medal win, which I have no doubt will help inspire Africa’s boxers to further success."



Related stories
October 2015: Two more gold medals see Cuba top standings as AIBA World Boxing Championships draw to a close