Anas Aziz of Chicago Muay Thai, has Sadly Passes Away Suddenly During TBA World Classic Tournament

Des Moines, Iowa — The Chicago Muay Thai community is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Anas Aziz, a 20-year-old fighter who passed away unexpectedly while attending the TBA World Classic Muay Thai Expo in Des Moines, Iowa.

Anas’s death occurred Thursday afternoon, June 19, and has left his teammates, family, and the wider Muay Thai community in shock. A beloved son, brother, and rising athlete, Anas was known not only for his fighting spirit in the ring but also for his unwavering kindness, mentorship, and deep love for his sport and his teammates.

Remembering Anas Aziz: A Fighter, A Brother, A Leader

Anas Aziz was more than a competitor he was a cornerstone of Chicago Muay Thai Kickboxing Club, where he trained alongside his younger brother, Dawud. His coaches describe him as humble, focused, and full of potential. Just days before his passing, Anas was preparing to begin a new career path, joining the electrical union to become an electrician.

In a public statement, Chicago Muay Thai emphasized that the exact cause of death remains unknown and inconclusive. According to Anas’s father, the medical examiner found no trauma, heart issues, or underlying conditions. The cause may take months to determine. For the family and the team, however, the “why” could never outweigh the profound sadness of the outcome.

Despite the tragedy, the team honored Anas’s memory by continuing to fight through the weekend tournament—just as he would have wanted. His family, including his parents Howard and Aja, and the entire team made the decision together. “We fought for Anas, as he would have fought for any of us,” one teammate said.

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GoFundMe Launched to Support Anas’s Family

Anas’s passing has placed a sudden financial burden on his family, who are now arranging funeral services without insurance. A GoFundMe fundraiser, organized by Jim Glasgow on behalf of Pondexter Howard, is raising money to cover funeral expenses, transportation of Anas’s body, and support for his brother Dawud.

“Any support is deeply appreciated,” reads the fundraiser page. “Your generosity will help honor Anas’s life and ease the burden on a family navigating unbearable grief.”

The campaign aims to raise funds before June 30, 2025, to meet urgent service needs.

Anas’s spirit will continue to inspire fighters in Chicago and beyond. His memory lives on not just in victories, but in the values he embodied: loyalty, heart, and selflessness.

To support the Anas Aziz’s family and learn more, visit the official GoFundMe page here.