He found stability at the All Stars Boxing Club in west London, becoming an English amateur champion but unable to pursue Olympic qualification or professional contracts due to lack of work and travel permissions.
He was twice detained by immigration authorities but released after a judge found no lawful grounds for detention, leaving him effectively stateless.
Fawaz obtained a work permit at age 33 and quickly won the English light-middleweight title by defeating Junaid Bostan, then claimed the British and Commonwealth titles by beating Ishmael Davis.
"Boxing saved me," Fawaz said. "It's my addiction.
Boxing gave me the feeling that I deserve more. I've worked hard.
When will I get the dues and respect that I deserve?"
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The BBC documentary Fighting for Freedom followed Fawaz as he prepared to defend his British title in Wolverhampton in May and explored his life as a father and partner in the UK.
"The only way I can fill the void is by being there for my family and my sons," he said.
"That's healing."
Despite having a British partner and children, Fawaz feels unrecognized by authorities. "I am in prison," he said.
"I've been in this country for 24 beautiful years and I've never travelled. I was being used.
'Fight for us... but you're not British.'
I fought for them six times as an amateur. I was bleeding in the ring.
They don't view me as important or someone who is trying to make an honest living.
