Kabary Salem

Kabary Salem, the “Egyptian Magician,” is an Egyptian former professional boxer who campaigned primarily at super-middleweight. Born 12 February 1968 in Cairo and based for much of his career in Brooklyn, New York, he stood 5ft 11in with a 74.8in reach and boxed from an orthodox stance. He turned professional on 31 January 1997 and retired after his final contest on 16 September 2005.

Salem’s early professional run came on the U.S. East Coast circuit, where he compiled a string of stoppage wins and decision victories over seasoned journeymen and prospects. A points win over the previously unbeaten Joseph Laryea in February 1999 marked his first significant breakthrough. On 12 September 1999, he stopped Randie Carver in the 10th round to win the vacant NABF super-middleweight title; Carver died two days later from injuries sustained in that bout, an incident that cast a shadow over Salem’s rise.

After rebuilding, Salem challenged Antwun Echols for the vacant NABF title in April 2002 and lost by unanimous decision over 12 rounds. He captured the vacant WBO-NABO super-middleweight title by outpointing Manu Ntoh in January 2003 and made at least one successful defence later that year. In 2004, he moved into world-level contention: a split-decision defeat to Mario Veit for the WBO interim belt in May was followed by a unanimous-decision loss to long-reigning WBO champion Joe Calzaghe in October in Edinburgh. He scored a knockdown in the Calzaghe bout but was otherwise outboxed in a contest marred by clashes of heads, consistent with a reputation for rugged, often rough infighting.

Salem concluded his career on 16 September 2005 in Montreal, where he was halted in the eighth round by the undefeated Lucian Bute in a bid for the vacant NABF and WBC Continental Americas titles. His professional record stands at 23 wins, 5 losses, and 1 no contest, with 12 wins by knockout. Notable opponents include Eric Harding, Antwun Echols, Mario Veit, Joe Calzaghe, and Lucian Bute. His peak competitive window stretched from 1999 through 2004, encompassing regional titles and a world-title challenge.

In December 2020, Salem was charged in New York in connection with the death of his daughter, Ola Salem, whose body was found on Staten Island in October 2019. In August 2024, authorities determined the killing occurred in Pennsylvania, and the case was transferred to Lebanon County. He was charged there with criminal homicide and strangulation, pleaded not guilty, and his trial began on 21 October 2025 in the Court of Common Pleas of Lebanon County. Prosecutors were not seeking the death penalty. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.