By: Joah Faiello

Driven by Ozhan Akcakaya’s unwavering passion and creative mindset, a quiet revolution in the boxing gear industry is taking place in the heart of Virginia. Ozhan, the CEO and founder of Hit N Move, is a living example of the strength of tenacity, creativity, and determination. He had a prosperous pharmaceutical career before emerging as a trailblazer in the boxing world. 

From Türkiye to the United States

Ozhans’ athletic journey started in Türkiye, where he initially pursued a soccer career. But life had other ideas for him. He relocated to the US in 2012, ultimately altering his life trajectory. It was in the US that Ozhan came to realize boxing was his actual passion. His previous aspirations in soccer were eclipsed by the sport’s discipline, strategy, and physicality, which deeply connected with him. Ozhan threw himself into boxing with unwavering determination despite the difficulties of starting over in a foreign country. His perseverance paid off as he advanced through the amateur ranks, quickly winning the Boston Masters Championship. This accomplishment cemented his standing in the boxing community and stoked a deeper desire to make a significant contribution to the sport. 

From Boxing Gear to Pharmaceuticals

Ozhan enjoyed a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry before starting Hit N Move. His areas of expertise were orthopedic therapies and dermatology, and he was a seven-time pharmaceutical sales champion in the USA. He became one of the top national sales trainers thanks to his remarkable training and sales abilities, and he now travels the nation advising and training pharmaceutical sales teams. He was instrumental in introducing two enormously successful pharmaceutical products to further solidify his standing as a pioneer in the industry. However, Ozhan was eventually forced to take a risk because of his love for boxing and his ambition to innovate in the field. He established Hit N Move during the COVID-19 pandemic when the boxing equipment market was ready for innovation, drawing on his vast experience in product development and sales. Enraged by the lack of innovation in the market, Ozhan set out to design products that would satisfy boxers’ needs by fusing performance safety and functionality in ways never seen before. 

Precision Headgear 

The Precision Headgear is among Hit N Move’s most recent and noteworthy innovations. This headgear, formally introduced on August 14, 2024, has already generated conversation within the boxing community. The Precision Headgear provides a ground-breaking remedy for athletes’ common complaints with traditional headgear, including bulkiness, heat, and restricted vision. Its multi-layered micro padding and incredibly lightweight design offer unmatched protection without interfering with a boxer’s natural movement or agility. Working with Virginia Tech, the headgear’s development was characterized by stringent scientific validation to guarantee that the highest performance and safety standards were met. The Precision Headgear was given a perfect 10/10 rating by 100 professional athletes during the test marketing phase. Many praised it for being under-promoted and the best protection I have ever felt for a small, light profile. 

The Visionary Behind Hit N Move

Ozhan uses his experiences in the ring to help him refine and perfect his products. His remarkable success is a testament to his hands-on approach to product development—a leader with a vision and a drive for excellence. Ozhans business savvy isn’t the only thing that led to his success with Hit N Move. His unwavering dedication to excellence and intense love of boxing are also major factors. Ozhan starts his days off with a strenuous boxing workout every morning. This regimen keeps him physically strong and enables him to regularly test and refine the equipment his company makes. A key component of Hit N Move’s product development approach is this ongoing commitment to the sport, which guarantees that every product is made with the needs of actual athletes in mind. In addition to being a CEO and innovator, Ozhans journey motivates aspiring athletes and business owners. The significance of pursuing one’s passions and seizing opportunities is emphasized by his journey from overseeing a car rental branch to spearheading an innovative boxing gear company. With the help of his wife, Alaina Akcakaya, who holds the position of Vice President of Public Relations at Hit N Move, Ozhan has transformed the business into a globally renowned brand that is renowned for its superior, cutting-edge boxing equipment. 

Conclusion

The story of Ozhan Akcakaya, who came from Türkiye to lead Hit N Move, is one of fervor, tenacity, and creativity. He is a visionary leader in the industry because of his devotion to boxing and his creation of products that improve the sport. Ozhans legacy of passion and creativity will surely inspire upcoming generations of athletes and businesspeople to pursue their goals with the same unwavering drive as Hit N Move keeps pushing the envelope in boxing gear. 

Published by: Khy Talara