NECATI HASSAN

 

How would you introduce Necati Hassan to someone who has never met you?

I’d describe myself as someone with the drive to move mountains, the charisma to connect with people and the confidence to pursue my dreams, all with a massive smile on my face.

When you wake up, what is the first thought that usually arrives?

Usually, it’s: What am I going to do today to get one step closer to the person I want to become? I’m always thinking about progress, whether that’s in boxing, modelling, my career, or simply becoming a better person. I like waking up with a purpose.

What does breakfast look like in your world?

It really depends on what kind of day I have ahead of me. The ideal breakfast for me is an eggs royale, but if I’m rushing out the door, it could be as simple as a banana. I’m not someone who needs breakfast to be complicated — sometimes it’s just about getting something in and getting on with the day.

What’s currently on your playlist?

The Weeknd has always been my favourite artist, but my playlist is pretty diverse. I listen to a lot of Afro House, as well as Spanish, Turkish and French music. For me, the most important thing is the beat. I love music that makes me feel like I have to move - something that brings out a completely different energy in me.

Do you like to read? If so, what was the last book you found yourself absorbed in?

Most of what I’ve been reading recently has been centred around my studies. I’ve just graduated in Sport and Exercise Science from Oxford Brookes University, so a lot of my reading has been around strength and conditioning, particularly its impact on boxing performance. I find it interesting when something I’m studying academically can directly relate to something I’m so passionate about in my own life.

What has made you particularly happy lately?

Working on the shoot with Madonna for Interview Magazine this year has definitely been one of the highlights for me recently. It was such a surreal experience to be surrounded by so many incredible people and to have the opportunity to work directly with such an Icon. It was a moment where I really stopped and thought about how far I’ve come, and how exciting the future could be. Being signed with Next Management recently has also been a huge milestone for me. It’s something I had always wanted to achieve, and being able to start this new chapter with them has made me incredibly excited about what’s ahead.  I feel like both experiences have opened my eyes to the possibilities in front of me, and I’m genuinely excited to see where the next six months take me.

Friday or Sunday, which one feels more like your day?

Sunday, definitely. My weeks can be incredibly busy, so Sunday is the one day where I can properly switch off, slow down and spend time with my family and friends. I think having that balance is important. It gives me a chance to reset before the next week begins.

Dogs or cats?

I’m very much a dog person. I had a French bulldog myself called Rocco for 11 years, who sadly passed away recently; dogs truly are a man’s best friend!

Wine or beer?

Wine, definitely. I don’t drink very often, but I think there’s something nice about sharing a bottle of wine with friends over dinner or celebrating something important together. It feels more about the occasion and the people you’re with than the drink itself.

Do you enjoy taking risks, or do you prefer to know where you’re going to land?

I’m definitely a risk-taker. I totally believe in taking opportunities when they appear because some of the biggest moments in life can come from a single decision. Something is exciting about knowing that your plans could completely change because you chose to take a chance. I’d much rather take a risk and learn from it than look back and wonder what could have happened if I said yes.

 
 
 
 
 

MARTÍN BARBA

 

What, if anything, can make you angry?

I’ve grown up around Muay Thai and boxing since I was very young, so self-control has always been instilled in me. I think being self-aware and understanding your own emotions is important, particularly when it comes to not allowing them to dictate your decisions. I channel most of my aggression into sport, so there are actually very few things that make me genuinely angry. I feel that an important part of becoming a man is learning how to control your emotions rather than being controlled by them.

How did boxing find its way into your life, and what has kept you coming back to it?

My parents introduced me to karate when I was four, and I moved into Muay Thai around the age of five. I competed from a young age and gradually started progressing through the sport, winning a Southern Area title, a National title, and eventually an Intercontinental title. I was also invited to Thailand for the World Championships when I was 11 years old. As I progressed in Muay Thai, I noticed that I naturally relied on my hands, so when I eventually wanted a change, moving into boxing felt like a very natural transition and from the first session, I fell in love with it. I’ve been doing boxing for the past 10 years, which has since become part of my identity. It keeps me fit and healthy, but it has become much more than that. I’ve developed a genuine passion for the sport and a desire to see how far I can take myself. I aspire to become a World Champion and, ultimately, one of the greatest boxers I can be. There’s still so much I want to accomplish, and that ambition is what keeps me coming back every day.

Are there boxers you admire, or models whose careers have given you something to aspire to?

There are a few people I’ve always looked up to for different reasons. In boxing, Mike Tyson is someone I really admire. His discipline, drive and mentality, as well as his fighting style, have always stood out to me. I’m fascinated by the level of dedication it takes to develop that kind of ability and presence in the ring. Outside of boxing, someone I’ve always looked up to is Bruce Lee. I grew up watching his films and was fascinated by how he took something he was naturally gifted at and turned it into a career that went far beyond fighting. He became a cultural icon and a movie star while challenging prejudice and living life on his own terms. What I admire most is that he never seemed interested in fitting into someone else’s idea of who he should be. He created his own path. That ability to develop your talent, challenge expectations and remain true to yourself is something I really respect.

What first attracted you to modelling, and what do you enjoy about it now?

I’ve always been interested in modelling, but what really opened my eyes to it was being scouted for opportunities independently before I even had an agent. Modelling for The Face Magazine and Interview Magazine with Madonna made me realise how far this career could potentially take me. People within the industry saw the potential in me before I fully saw it in myself, which gave me the confidence to take the idea seriously and see where it could lead. What I enjoy most now is the people. Modelling has allowed me to meet so many interesting people that I could have never crossed paths with. I genuinely love connecting with people and hearing their stories, backgrounds and perspectives, as it could teach me something new.

Professionally speaking, what are you better at now than you were when you began?

Modelling is still a relatively new industry for me, so I’m learning something every day. But I’ve definitely become much more confident in front of the camera. When I did my first shoot for The Face, I was much more nervous and conscious of everything I was doing. Now it feels much more natural.

Where do you find your motivation when the excitement has worn off?

For me, it comes down to becoming a better person every day and working towards the man I ultimately want to become. I’ve always been someone who shows up, regardless of how I feel or what setbacks I’m facing. When the excitement disappears, discipline becomes more important than motivation. I refuse to let adversity or struggle stop me from moving forward. I think the days when you don’t feel like showing up are often the days that tell you the most about who you really are.

What does success mean to you now, and has that meaning changed with time?

Success has always meant achieving the goals I set for myself; for me, this is becoming a future boxing world champion. But I also believe that success is measured by the impact you have on other people. The number of people I can positively influence to become better versions of themselves will ultimately determine how successful I have become. One day, I aspire to be someone that others can look up to. I’ve always believed in making the impossible possible for myself, and I want other people to believe they can do the same.

You recently appeared in a Madonna shoot for Interview magazine. What was that experience like, and what did it reveal to you about the work?

It was genuinely one of the greatest experiences of my life. Having the opportunity to work directly with such an icon like Madonna, alongside incredible people like Nadia Lee Cohen, was surreal. One of the highlights of the experience was when Madonna came and spoke to me, and on set I got the opportunity to teach Madonna how to play poker! I left the shoot with the greatest sense of achievement. More than anything, it opened my eyes to the calibre of people I could potentially work with in the future. For the first time, that future felt tangible — almost as though I could see it in front of me and reach out and grab it. What I loved most was being surrounded by so many talented people and having the opportunity to connect with them; it’s an experience I’ll never forget.

 
 
 

MARTÍN BARBA

 

Many famous fighters have gone on to act. Is that a direction you could imagine exploring yourself?

Absolutely. It’s something I’ve always had in the back of my mind, particularly if the right opportunity comes along. I actually did background extra work on films when I was younger, including American Assassin, and I remember meeting Dylan O’Brien on set, who was a huge celebrity idol of mine at the time. I’ve also always loved acting. I’ve noticed that my background in Muay Thai and boxing has taught me how to perform under pressure in front of an audience. That experience has translated naturally into acting and performing in front of people. Even in primary and secondary school, I was always the main character in school plays. My drama teacher in secondary school recognised my talent from an early stage and always encouraged me to pursue acting, believing I had the potential to do well in the industry. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed, so I think it’s definitely something I’d be open to exploring. I don’t know exactly what the future has planned for me, but that’s part of the excitement.

With such a full schedule, is there still room for love?

There is. Making room for a relationship hasn’t always been easy for me. My schedule has always been extremely busy, from training as an elite amateur boxer and preparing for championships to studying alongside it and meeting university deadlines, so for a long time I found it difficult to give a relationship the time and attention it deserved. But I think when you meet the right person, they understand that your ambitions and your discipline are a part of who you are. They understand that there will be days when your schedule is demanding, when training comes first or when you have to be completely focused on what you’re working towards. I’ve now been in a relationship for around a year, and having someone who genuinely understands my lifestyle and fully supports what I’m working towards has made a huge difference. I think the right relationship shouldn’t make you feel like you have to choose between love and your ambitions. It should give you someone who believes in what you’re trying to achieve, supports you through the difficult moments and is genuinely proud to see you grow.

Who, in your own life, has been a hero to you?

My mum, without question. She’s always been a true role model for me — someone who sets an example while keeping me on the path towards success. She’s the one person who has never once doubted what I’m capable of achieving. She’s always taught me that there is no limit to what I can achieve, as long as I’m willing to work for it, and that I should always believe in myself and go after whatever I set my mind to. She’s been there through my highest highs and lowest lows, always reminding me to keep my head up and keep moving forward. She has seen every bit of work that has gone into shaping me as a man, and she taught me that sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply keep showing up, learn from your mistakes and continue to grow. A huge part of who I am today comes from that.

What quality do you most admire in a man, and a woman?

In a man, I admire honesty and integrity. To me, there’s something powerful about a man who keeps his word, can face difficult situations honestly and isn’t afraid to tell you how things really are. I also respect someone secure enough in himself that other people’s opinions or negativity don’t change who he is. In a woman, I really admire the ability to nurture and care for the people around her. There’s something incredibly powerful about a mother’s love — the instinct to protect, support and care for a child is something I have great respect for.

When you think about the future, what ambitions remain, and is acting among them?

Becoming a World Champion in boxing has been one of my biggest ambitions from a young age, and that still remains a huge goal for me. At the same time, I’m incredibly excited about what the future might bring. Signing with Next Management has opened a huge new door for me, and I’m excited to see where it can take me. Acting is certainly something I could see becoming part of my future too. Having experienced film sets as a background actor when I was younger, I’d love to explore what could happen if the right role came along.

You’re still young, yet you seem to have a fairly clear sense of the life you want to build. Is there anything you worry about losing as you pursue it?

I believe that what is meant for me in life won’t pass me by. Everything happens for a reason, and I trust the process while continuing to work towards the future I want to achieve. The one thing I sometimes think about losing is the freedom I have now. I value being able to spend time with my family and friends.  As my career grows, I understand that life can change and that time can become more difficult to hold onto.

 
 
 
 

MARTÍN BARBA

What, to your mind, makes a perfect man in 2026, and is perfection even the point?

I don’t believe there is such a thing as a perfect man. To me, perfection isn’t an attainable outcome, as there’s always room for growth; it’s something you continue working towards. In my perspective, being a good man means being true to yourself, having a kind heart and wanting to help the people around you become better. It also means taking care of yourself — physically and mentally — because I believe looking after your health and wellbeing gives you the foundation to become the best version of yourself. It’s about having the strength to stand by your values, the humility to recognise where you can improve and the generosity to lift other people along the way.  Perhaps perfection isn’t really the point. Maybe it’s simply about continuing to grow, taking care of yourself and the people around you, and becoming a better version of yourself with every stage of life.

 
 
 

DIGITAL COVER

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Photography ARNALDO ANAYA-LUCCA, Talent NECATI HASSAN

 
 
 
 

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