LONDON: Saudi Arabian boxer Zuhayr Al-Qahtani’s dream of fighting in his home country could be realized as soon as September with “The Arabian Warrior” waiting on news of the destination of the forthcoming World Super Series super middleweight final.
The date and host of the highly-anticipated bout between British fighters George Groves and Callum Smith is expected to be announced this week by promoter Kalle Sauerland with King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah the expected venue around mid-September.
It is understood that if Saudi Arabia is confirmed, Jeddah-born Al-Qahtani who is the country’s only professional boxer and is represented by Irish promotion MTK Global, is in line to be included on the undercard.
When asked by Arab News if discussions had been held, Al-Qahtani was tight-lipped but admitted: “That is definitely a card I want to be on – it’s my hometown.”
The unbeaten lightweight added: “There are a few rumors going around, I’m just leaving them for now, but everything happens for a reason. My next fight could be in London... it could be somewhere else.”
Al-Qahtani, who extended his pro record to 4-0 with a comfortable victory over Dylan Draper in London earlier this month, should discover this week whether he’ll be part of what would be a landmark contest in the Middle East.
Jeddah was originally booked to host the blockbuster cruiserweight final between Oleksandr Usyk and Murat Gassiev on May 11 but the bout was postponed until July 21 and moved to Moscow after Usky suffered a minor elbow injury.
The World Boxing Super Series is owned and organized by Comosa AG who signed a deal last year with the General Sports Authority of Saudi Arabia to hold the cruiserweight decider, and the agreement means the Kingdom is now likely to receive the remaining super middleweight final, first mooted for Manchester or London.
On announcing the partnership last October, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer Sauerland also outlined a commitment to promote local fighters to help promote the sport in the region.
Al-Qahtani represents the best of Saudi boxing as the country’s only professional fighter and with an outstanding amateur record of 50-5 which included several national novice titles in the United Kingdom and the London ABAs.
The 29-year-old is an eye-catching technical fighter, relying on rapid combinations and quick feet who fights on the front foot and despite standing at just 5ft 6ins dominates his opponents with his hand speed and movement.
The lightweight made his debut for MTK Global at the famed York Hall in Bethnall Green earlier this month, defeating Draper via a points decision after four rounds and wants to make the step up to an eight or 10-round contest for his next fight.
Al-Qahtani also harbors ambitions of landing an early shot at the Asian title, although the fact he is yet to fight professionally past four rounds means that particular opportunity may be a bit too soon for him.
He said: “I’m back in training already. I gave myself two days off after the Draper fight to relax, sit there and contemplate what I need to do next and work on.
“Everybody tells me I’m improving each time I fight but I’m yet to have achieved my pinnacle result. I know I’m ready for a title fight but it’s all up to MTK and they know what is best for me.
“MTK liked what they saw in London and said I boxed really well and liked my movement. There are no problems with my fitness I know I’m good for eight, 10 or 12 rounds. That’s when everyone will get to see the best of me.”
Russian Pavel Malikov holds the WBA Asian lightweight strap having won it in December, 2016 by beating Adones Aguelo of the Philippines in Ekaterinberg. Malikov lost his last fight in April to Indonesia’s Daud Yordan but the Asian title was not on the line.
Saudi Arabia’s first professional boxer Zuhayr Al-Qahtani dreaming of Jeddah bout
Saudi Arabia’s first professional boxer Zuhayr Al-Qahtani dreaming of Jeddah bout
- Saudi Arabian boxer Zuhayr Al-Qahtani’s dream of fighting in his home country could be realized as soon as September
- King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah the expected venue around mid-September
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula in Miami Open final for 19th tour title
- The No. 1 seed from Belarus knocked off fourth-seeded American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 for her first Miami Open title in a rematch of the 2024 US Open final
MIAMI GARDENS, Florida: Aryna Sabalenka entered the Miami Open final against Jessica Pegula with 18 career titles on her elite resume.
The Miami Open crown had proved elusive until Saturday.
The No. 1 seed from Belarus knocked off fourth-seeded American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 for her first Miami Open title in a rematch of the 2024 US Open final.
Sabalenka fired up her lethal forehand in posting 22 winners on that wing to win the $1.1 million first prize. Sabalenka hit a backhand passing shot on match point after which she raised both hands to the air and looked up to the sky.
“Thank God the rain stopped,” Sabalenka said. “It was like Miami was crying that I won this tournament. I enjoyed playing here, every minute of it.”
Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, had won the US Open over Pegula, also in straight sets, 7-5, 7-5, but in 2025, Sabalenka’s finals luck had run out.
The 26-year-old power player had reached the finals of four of six events this year, though only copped one title (Brisbane) before Miami. Sabalenka lost in the finals of the Australian Open and at Indian Wells — the event that preceded Miami.
“You’re the best player in the world for a reason,’’ Pegula said to Sabalenka during the trophy ceremony. “You keep challenging everyone to get better. The level of tennis you’ve been able to play is amazing.’’
Sabalenka now lives in Miami but Pegula had the crowd support. Pegula, a 31-year-old Buffalo native, has lived in Boca Raton since she was 13 and is daughter of Terry Pegula, owner of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was in attendance as the league owners meetings takes place Monday in nearby Palm Beach.
“It’s still cool to see this transform from a Dolphins-Bills game to a tennis stadium,’’ Pegula said.
Neither player could hold serve well in the first set. Sabalenka broke Pegula’s serve four times and won it 7-5, winning the last eight points of the set.
Pegula was up a break at 3-2 but couldn’t hold it in a topsy-turvy set that also saw Pegula break Sabalenka’s serve three times.
At 5-5, Sabalenka held serve at love for 6-5 lead, then broke Pegula at love after hitting three straight winners – two at the net.
Sabalenka leads the series vs. Pegula 7-2 and has won the last three meetings.
The men’s doubles final, first on the card, was stopped by rain in the second set with No. 1 seed Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic leading No. 6 Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool 7-6, 3-2. 30-30. Arevalo/Pavic closed out the championship quickly 7-6, 6-3, but the rain delay caused the 3 p.m. women’s final to begin more than one hour tardy.
Eze leads Crystal Palace into FA Cup semifinals
- After a difficult start to the season, Eagles are one of England’s form teams
LONDON: Eberechi Eze inspired Crystal Palace to a 3-0 FA Cup quarterfinal win at Fulham on Saturday with a goal and assist in a four-minute period in the first half.
Fresh from scoring his first England goal against Latvia on Monday, Eze broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from outside the box.
He then turned provider for Ismaila Sarr to rapidly double Palace’s lead and Eddie Nketiah added more gloss to the scoreline as a second-half substitute.
After a difficult start to the season, Palace are one of England’s form teams as Oliver Glasner’s men have also marched up the Premier League table to 12th in recent months.
The Eagles have won their last six away games, including another 2-0 win at Craven Cottage last month, and will believe they can go on to win the FA Cup for the first time.
Palace were able to welcome back French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta for the first time since he needed 25 stitches in an ear wound suffered in his side’s fifth round win over Millwall four weeks ago.
But it was Eze who was Palace’s match winner with two decisive moments in a matter of minutes.
The 26-year-old cut inside on his favored right foot to curl in off the far post to open the scoring on 34 minutes.
Eze then jinked past Sander Berge and showed his ability on either foot with this time an inch-perfect left-footed cross for Sarr to head in at the near post.
Fulham are four places and six points above Palace in the Premier League and will now turn their focus to trying to qualify for the Champions League for the first time by finishing in the top five.
However, their dreams of Wembley were extinguished 15 minutes from time.
Eddie Nketiah had only been on the field a few minutes as Mateta’s replacement and produced a composed finish under his former Arsenal team-mate Bernd Leno for a third goal in four games.
City are the favorites for the competition but face a tough trip to Bournemouth on Sunday.
After a disappointing season that has fallen well short of their usual standards, the FA Cup is City’s final shot at winning a trophy.
Aston Villa visit second-tier Preston hoping to remain on course for their first trophy since 1996 in Sunday’s early kick-off.
Ed Bethell targeting international glory with Regional in Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night
- Royal Ascot-winning trainer looks to extend his success beyond UK at Meydan Racecourse next Saturday
- Regional set to take on world’s fastest turf sprinters in latest chapter of ‘rags-to-riches story’
LONDON: Royal Ascot-winning trainer Ed Bethell is set to chase his first international Group 1 victory as his star sprinter Regional lines up for the Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night next weekend.
Within just four years of earning his trainer’s license, Bethell has already made a name for himself on the British racing scene, securing a Group 1 victory in the Haydock Sprint Cup with Regional and a Royal Ascot win in the Britannia Stakes with Mickley.
He was also on the verge of another major triumph when Point Lynas crossed the line first at the York Ebor Festival, only to lose the race following a stewards’ inquiry.
Now, Bethell is looking to extend his success beyond British shores, with Regional primed for the prestigious six-furlong sprint at Meydan Racecourse next Saturday.
Regional has been a revelation under Bethell’s training since being bought as a horse-in-training for just 3,500 guineas ($4,750) at Tattersalls.
Since then, he has finished in the prize money in 16 of his 17 starts for Bethell and his owners, amassing over £575,000 ($744,000) in earnings. His resume includes a Group 1 win at Haydock and a runner-up finish in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2024.
Speaking to Great British Racing International, Bethell expressed his admiration for the sprinter and his confidence heading into Dubai.
“Regional is incredibly special. Any horse to win you a Group 1 is special, but I guess it’s a rags-to-riches story, and I probably will never find another like him. He had a big break, and his work has been really good coming into this race. He has been absolutely great,” Bethell said.
The 31-year-old trainer is no stranger to the Al Quoz Sprint, having previously had Moss Gill contest the race in 2021, though COVID-19 restrictions prevented him from attending.
This time, he hopes to be trackside for what could be a career-defining moment, adding: “Hopefully, it will be a great experience.”
Bethell, who trains from his base in Yorkshire, has enjoyed a rapid rise through the British training ranks.
His 20 percent strike rate on turf in 2024 has caught the attention of leading owners across the globe, with backing from the the US, Asia, and the Middle East.
With Regional set to take on some of the world’s fastest turf sprinters in Dubai, a strong performance on World Cup night could further cement Bethell’s status as one of Britain’s rising training stars.
Reflecting on his progress since taking out his license, Bethell said: “We have improved year-on-year. Our facilities and our team are bigger and better than ever. It’s exciting, but we want to continue to improve and get better.”
Bayern survive St. Pauli scare to stay on course for Bundesliga title
- Sane settled Bayern’s nerves after an uneasy first half, as Vincent Kompany’s side struggled once again against weaker opposition
- “It was a bit tight at the end, but we are really happy to have got the three points,” Sane told Sky
BERLIN: Leroy Sane spared Bayern Munich’s blushes with two second-half goals on Saturday, as the Bundesliga leaders beat relegation-threatened St. Pauli 3-2 to stay six points clear at the top of the table.
Sane settled Bayern’s nerves after an uneasy first half, as Vincent Kompany’s side struggled once again against weaker opposition.
“It was a bit tight at the end, but we are really happy to have got the three points,” Sane told Sky.
Having dropped unexpected points against Bochum and Union Berlin in recent weeks, Bayern were under pressure to avoid a third slip after reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen narrowed the gap to three points with a 3-1 win over Bochum on Friday.
Sane insisted that pressure was a good thing for Bayern, “because it helps us keep our rhythm when we know we have to win every game.”
Yet they looked sluggish against a fearless St. Pauli side who almost took the lead early on when a Jackson Irvine header hit the bar.
The visitors handed Bayern the opener on a silver platter just two minutes later, when Siebe Van der Heyden was caught napping at left-back.
Van der Heyden was robbed of possession by Jamal Musiala and Bayern swarmed into the box, allowing Harry Kane to sweep the ball in from close range.
It was Kane’s first goal against St. Pauli, meaning he has now scored against every team he has faced in the Bundesliga.
Unbowed, the visitors snatched a deserved equalizer just before the half-hour mark through Elias Saad.
The Tunisian forward slipped under the radar in the Bayern box and tapped in a Manolis Saliakas cross to score his first goal since September.
Sane restored the lead after half-time, smashing the ball in unchallenged after a clever switch of play left him with acres of space on the left.
He sealed the win 20 minutes from time, turning in a Kane cross from close range after a ruthless Bayern transition.
Yet Bayern still had to survive a nervy final few minutes after Lars Ritzka pulled one back for St. Pauli in added time.
And there was more bad news for the Bavarians as defender Hiroki Ito was forced off in the final minutes, adding to a growing list of injury concerns.
Elsewhere, RB Leipzig suffered a blow in the race for the Champions League with a 1-0 defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach.
A poacher’s finish from Alassane Plea saw Gladbach snatch a valuable three points and leapfrog Leipzig into fifth.
Werder Bremen overtook Borussia Dortmund in mid-table thanks to a comfortable 3-0 win over bottom club Holstein Kiel.
Marvin Ducksch whipped a brilliant free-kick into the top corner from a tight angle to give Bremen the lead in the first half.
Felix Agu doubled the lead after the break with an equally elegant finish, curling the ball under the bar from the edge of the penalty area, before Marco Gruell made it three in added time.
Kiel are now five points adrift of safety after fellow strugglers Heidenheim snatched a 1-0 win away to Wolfsburg thanks to a first-half penalty from Marvin Pieringer.
Augsburg’s Samuel Essende broke a Bundesliga record in his side’s 1-1 draw with Hoffenheim, scoring the fastest goal ever by a substitute.
Essende netted just 10 seconds after coming on at half-time, but Andrej Kramaric levelled from the spot later in the second half, ending a 683-minute run without conceding for Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen.
Bayern chief slams Canada Soccer again over Davies injury
- Dreesen said Bayern were in touch with Canada Soccer and would write to them next week demanding an explanation
- “It can’t be that you put a player on a flight without a bandage on his knee and not notice that he has torn his ACL”
MUNICH: Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen doubled down on his criticism of Canada Soccer on Saturday, saying their handling of Alphonso Davies’ injury was “astonishing.”
The German giants had threatened legal action after Davies returned from the international break with a torn anterior cruciate ligament this week.
Canada Soccer initially gave the 24-year-old the all-clear after he went off injured in his side’s 2-1 CONCACAF Nations League play-off win over the USA in California.
But an examination in Munich revealed he had torn his ACL, ruling him out for at least six months and prompting Dreesen to accuse the Canadian federation of “gross negligence” in an interview with tabloid Bild.
Speaking to reporters after Bayern’s 3-2 win over St. Pauli on Saturday, Dreesen said Bayern were in touch with Canada Soccer and would write to them next week demanding an explanation.
“It can’t be that you put a player on a flight without a bandage on his knee and not notice that he has torn his ACL,” said Dreesen.
“It can’t be that you don’t send a scan, when Los Angeles has, I think, the highest density of MRT facilities per capita of anywhere in North America. I find that astonishing,” he added.
In a statement to The Athletic on Friday, Canada Soccer spokesman Paulo Senra defended the federation’s handling of the injury.
“Medical documentation confirms that proper care protocols were followed, and communication records show that our medical staff provided updates to Bayern Munich throughout the entire tournament,” he said.
Yet Dreesen appeared to dismiss this on Saturday.
“They told us he had got a kick in the sixth minute. But I could see that much on TV, that wasn’t very surprising information,” he said.
The Bayern CEO added that the club were considering their next steps.
“What we do next depends on the answers we get to our questions,” he said.
Davies is part of a wider wave of injuries which has ravaged Bayern’s defense in recent weeks.
Manuel Neuer is still yet to return after tearing his calf while celebrating in a Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen last month.
Bayern have also lost center-back Dayot Upamecano to a leg injury, while fellow defender Hiroki Ito had to leave the pitch during Saturday’s win.
