Arab Boxing returns to Al Wasl as Dubai stages 'Champions Meeting' on June 27

Dubai will once again play host to a unique sporting event when six of the best exponents of Arab Boxing fight for glory in a 'Champions Meeting' on June 27 at Al Wasl Club Hall.

"We are pleased to return to Al Wasl Hall which hosted the first ever Arab Boxing international championship in 1992," said Dr. Hedi Al Sediri, President of the International Arab Boxing Federation (FIBA) at a press conference to announce the event on Sunday.

There will be three amateur Arab Boxing bouts on the six-fight card with the main attraction being the participation of six world champions, including two women pugilists.

This new world championship is being held under the patronage of Shaikha Salama bint Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Dubai Police and Dubai Sports Council.

The FIBA chief expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktour, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, for his encouragement to sports in general.

“We are very pleased to bring back the world championship to where we first started as Dubai hosted the first world championship in 1992 at Al Wasl Club sponsored by the UAE Olympic Committee. We are back again to the same hall after 22 years because of great support and continuous encouragement found from officials in the UAE. Thanks to that support and encouragement, our championships have lasted and reached most cities inside the UAE – including Abu Dhabi and Ajman – while the last championship was in Ras Al Khaimah," said Dr Al Sediri.

A six-time world middleweight Arab Boxing champion, Dr Al Sediri hoped the sport would take root in the UAE after organising events such at this.

"Arab Boxing is popular in Europe because there are many sponsors. Unfortunately there are no professional boxers in this part of the world. But I hope it changes," said Dr Al Sediri revealing plans to form an Arabic Boxing Federation which would have 14 countries.

“The upcoming championship is expected to attract a great audience since it will include some of the world’s best boxers who will show the unique feature of the championship," he added.

"Our goal is to deliver this kind of sport to our society in UAE. We want it to be a festival of culture and entertainment. UAE is willing to learn and participate in all kinds of sports. Her Highness insists on supporting and giving all encouragement," said Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Private Office of Shaikha Salama bint Tahnoun bin Mohamed Al Nahyan who is sponsoring this championship.

Rashid Mohammed of DSC said this would a unique event and enhance the sporting pedigree of Dubai.

The organising committee is making elaborate arrangements to have a grand sporting event including a spectacular opening ceremony since international boxing dignitaries from the region are also expected to attend.

The first two bouts will be between four Arab Boxing amateur fighters with Emirati Ahmad Darmaki taking on Ayoub Al Jabbar of Morocco while Egyptian Islam Naguib will face Abdul Ghami Moneir in the other bout which will be three-round contests.

The remaining four bouts between professional will be nine-round contests with world champion Djime Coulibaly of France taking on Saro Presli of Italy.

Croatia's world champion Melenica Maria will face a challenger from Indonesia Soraya Haurissa in the women's contest which will be over eight rounds.

Another world champion Beausejour Johane of Madagascar will face Italian Nicola Gallo in a middleweight contest.

The final bout of the nights is a heavyweight battle between the world champion from Holland Brinkman Hendrik and Hamadi El mahdaoui of Morocco.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.