Nurideen Shahid Shabazz, known in the ring as Deen the Great, is an American crossover boxer and digital creator. Raised in Florida, he made his debut under the Misfits Boxing banner in August 2022, quickly establishing himself as one of the promotion's premier fighters. He secured the inaugural MFB lightweight title by stopping Walid Sharks in Austin, Texas, initiating a high-profile rivalry that featured a tag-team victory as partners and a title defense in Manchester. Known for his hand speed and aggressive style, he made successful defenses against Pully Arif and Dave Fogarty before suffering his first defeat to professional boxer Amado Vargas in Dubai. Outside competition, Shabazz streams online and has navigated high-profile legal challenges in Florida.
Nurideen Shahid Shabazz, fighting under the moniker Deen the Great, won the inaugural Misfits Boxing lightweight championship in crossover boxing. He built a following as a content creator before headlining fight cards across the United States and the United Kingdom.
Personal life and background
Born in Tampa, Florida, Shabazz grew up in Orlando alongside his three siblings: sister Imani and brothers Mustafa and Sayyed. He is a practicing Muslim. Outside the ring, he developed a following across YouTube and TikTok, sharing sparring sessions, training footage, and sketches.
Misfits Boxing and championship bouts
Shabazz made his promotional debut on August 27, 2022, at The O2 Arena in London on the undercard of MF & DAZN: X Series 001. He stopped TikTok creator Evil Hero in the first round after scoring three knockdowns. Three months later, he faced Iraqi boxer Walid Sharks in Austin, Texas. The bout was elevated to the headline slot. Shabazz stopped Sharks in the third round by technical knockout, claiming the inaugural MFB lightweight belt.
In March 2023, he defended the championship against Pully Arif in Telford, England. He suffered two shoulder injuries during the bout. Despite the injuries, he scored a third-round knockdown and earned a unanimous decision victory.
Shabazz participated in a tag team contest in July 2023 in Nashville, partnering with Walid Sharks to defeat YuddyGangTV and Ayye Pap. The alliance fractured. The two fighters clashed inside the ring right after the final bell sounded.
The pair fought a rematch in Manchester in October 2023, where Shabazz secured another unanimous decision win to retain his title. He returned to the ring in August 2024 in Dublin, defending his belt against Dave Fogarty with a third-round technical knockout.
Later fights and legal incidents
In December 2025, Shabazz faced professional boxer Amado Vargas in Dubai. The six-round contest went to the scorecards. Vargas took the decision, handing Shabazz the first defeat of his boxing career. Misfits later scheduled him for a September 2026 bout in Miami against former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo.
Outside of competition, Shabazz was involved in a February 2026 altercation at the residence of Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, where former UFC fighter Tiki Ghosn struck him with an elbow during a livestream. In May 2026, police arrested Shabazz in Miami Beach following a dispute over a mobile phone during a yacht livestream with former boxing champion Adrien Broner. He was charged with felony attempted strong-arm robbery. He entered a plea of not guilty and requested a jury trial.
Quick facts
- Scored three knockdowns in the opening round against Evil Hero during his boxing debut at The O2 Arena in London.
- Won the inaugural MFB lightweight title in Austin, Texas, after stopping Walid Sharks in the third round.
- Fought through two shoulder injuries to secure a unanimous decision defense against Pully Arif in Telford, England.
- Partnered with his rival Walid Sharks in a tag-team boxing match in Nashville, only for the two to start fighting each other immediately after their victory.
- Retained his MFB lightweight belt against Walid Sharks in a Manchester rematch by unanimous decision.
- Suffered his first boxing defeat against professional fighter Amado Vargas in Dubai in December 2025.
- Was arrested in Miami Beach in May 2026 following a yacht party altercation and pleaded not guilty to attempted robbery charges.
FAQs about Deen the Great
Is Deen the Great a real boxer?
He competes in crossover boxing events, holding the MFB lightweight title under the MF & DAZN: X Series banner.
What is Deen the Great's real name?
His real name is Nurideen Shahid Shabazz.
Is Deen the Great Nigerian?
No. He is an American born in Tampa, Florida.
What is Deen the Great's boxing record?
In solo professional crossover bouts, he holds a record of 5 wins and 1 loss, alongside a victory in tag-team boxing.
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