Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Saudi boxing fans were treated to some exciting bouts that included a couple of knockouts at the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) super-middleweight final held at King Abdullah Sports City here Friday.

During the main bout, Britain’s Callum Smith knocked out his compatriot and defending champion George Groves in the seventh round of this 12-round fight to claim the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy. While also taking Groves’ WBA world title, Smith also retained his own WBC Diamond belt in front of hundreds of Saudi fans.

Smith was handed the Muhammad Ali Trophy by the boxing legend’s daughter Rasheda Ali.

Also, two Saudi fighters — Julaidan Abdul Fatah and Zuhayr Al-Qahtani — became the first professional Saudi boxers to fight on home soil. Both also won their respective bouts in front of their own crowd.

Smith, 28, recorded his 25th win, with 18 knockouts overall, while Groves, 30, has won 28 out of 32 fights this season, with 20 knockouts.

Smith caught Groves with a left hook off the temple nearly two minutes into the seventh round, followed by a fast flurry as Groves stumbled into the ropes and hit the floor.

Referee Luis Pabon made a full 10-count with Groves still on his knees.

A victorious Smith fell to his knees on the canvas, visibly moved, as his three brothers rushed into the ring to congratulate him.

“I waited so long. It just means everything,” Smith said from the ring. “I’m not a man who shows a lot of emotion. You never see me ecstatic, but you can see tonight... it’s a lifetime of work, all gone into one.

“I’d like to wish (Groves) good luck in whatever he does.”

The sports venue in Jeddah brought the passion and excitement of the world boxing to Saudi Arabia, with the weekend’s top matches broadcast live to 50 countries.

The big boxing night witnessed the attendance of legendary US boxer Evander Holyfield, former world champion “Prince” Naseem Hamed and Muhammad Ali’s daughter Rasheda.

The milestone event was the result of an agreement signed in London between World Boxing Super Series organizer and owner, Comosa AG, and the General Sports Authority of Saudi Arabia. The bout has created a new interest for developing the sport within the Kingdom according to “Prince” Hamed.

“Professional boxing has never come to Saudi Arabia before and it’s a blessing that things have opened up in the country like this,” said Hamed. “We’ve been waiting for boxing to break into Arab countries for a long, long time. Hopefully this will just be the start of things to come.”

Following the thrilling night, Saudi and expat enthusiasts expressed their excitement, joy and said they were very happy to see the first major boxing event that took place in the Middle East.

“We have witnessed the excitement and appetite for contact sports in Saudi Arabia which has seen phenomenal growth in the past few years. Boxing is one such sport, which is encouraging professional boxers to make it big in the ring through international leagues,” said Ali Al-Sharaya, MBC correspondent.

Equally excited about the big night of boxing, Abdullah Yanbawai, reporter of Al-Tahlia on line site said: “It was a great night. We have enjoyed so many bouts and I really captured the happiness and joy of Saudi fans to see such big names here in person. We all express our appreciation to the Saudi Sports Authority for bringing such big events to Saudi Arabia and looking forward to seeing more in the future.”

Mahmoud Gazal, a boxing enthusiast who came with his family, said: “The bouts were amazing and the fans made the atmosphere incredible. It’s for them more than anything.”

Kareem Attallah, a 22 year-old, and his friends said they have enjoyed every minute of the night and said they were very proud to see their countrymen to fight here at home and win.

Kareem added, “We were eager to see this big fight between Callum Smith and George Groves and we really got into it.”

He also said that he and his friend were lucky to capture photos with US boxer Evander Holyfield and “Prince” Naseem Hamed.

Saudi super-lightweight Zuhayr Al-Qahtani spoke to Saudi Gazette as he was entering his special room surrounnded by his trainers and fans. He said: “I am very happy to win here in front of my fans and hope will keep my record clean in the next matches.

The 29-year-old is the only Saudi fighter, who started living in UK when he was 12-year-old, said, “It was a special night for me to fight at home and I express my gratitude to Saudi Sports Authority for their support.”