Zuhayr Al-Qahtani is a boxer with big ambitions, but the Jeddah-born southpaw has a small problem he needs to fix if he is to fulfil his dream of becoming a world champion — a quest for perfection that may take him to the US.
The unbeaten lightweight, Saudi Arabia’s only professional fighter, took his record to 4-0 earlier this month with a comfortable points win over England’s Dylan Draper, but the bout highlighted an ongoing dilemma for the Jeddah-born southpaw.
Al-Qahtani stands at just 5ft 6ins, which means the 29-year-old gives a significant height advantage to his opponents.
He combats that with his hand speed and rapid movement around the ring but, as the 5ft 10ins Draper showed at Bethnal Green’s York Hall, taller, slower fighters try to disrupt his rhythm by leaning over him and forcing a clinch.
Before his next fight, which he hopes will be in Jeddah on the undercard of the George Groves-Calum Smith bout announced yesterday, Al-Qahtani is working intensively with former British light middleweight Richard “The Secret” Williams at Miguel’s Boxing Gym in south
London on how to counter the tactic.
Al-Qahtani told Arab News: “In a lot of fights, they’re taller than me, so they just want to hold on to me. I always had it as an amateur, people would feel my punches and they just wanted to grab me. It clearly shows the individual and the kind of fighter they are.
“It’s a move to try to get you out of your comfort zone and rhythm. It becomes more of a chess game. It’s a technical thing, to get in and out quickly or, if he puts his weight on me, how I get out without using too much energy.
“I’m the one always being grabbed so I need to learn to get out quickly without getting frustrated and doing something silly.
“It’s about mastering the little basics. Boxing is an art, it’s not always about the quick knockouts, it’s a gradual thing about breaking the opponent down. Every fight I’m improving my intelligence and what I need to do to beat different opponents.”
Al-Qahtani’s desire for constant improvement also means he plans to spend significant time in the US to work with some of the world’s best trainers in honing his craft.
He has served all his boxing education in England but his wishlist of trainers feature Pedro Diaz, Virgil Hunter and Naazim Richardson, as he believes a visit stateside will help him reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Manny Pacquiao, Sergio Martinez and Vasyl Lomachenko are three of Al-Qahtani’s favorite fighters, and although the trio are not American, their time in the country helped them realize their potential.
With an undetermined fight scheduled for September and another likely in early 2019, Al-Qahtani is confident he can capture an Asian title in the next 12 months, elevating his status and giving him the chance to study new techniques in the US.
“Hopefully, after a few more fights I can go to (the US) and work with some world-class trainers who can bring the best out of me. I’m going to wait for my Asian title and then head (there),” Al-Qahtani said.
“America is the boxing hub. It’s the next step of achieving ultimate greatness. The best trainers, the best fighters — there will just be more opportunities to develop.”
The Draper bout also presented its own unique challenge for Al-Qahtani as a packed card by promoters MTK Global meant the Arabian Warrior did not get in the ring until 11:30 p.m. — more than four hours after he was due to appear.
Counting down the hours in his dressing room, Al-Qahtani tried to stay calm and focused, but admitted once the fight started he was so wound up by the delay, he came out swinging with emotion and did not box enough with his head.
“I was warming up, shadow boxing. I was impatient. I was getting into my zone, preparing, just remembering what I was doing this for,” he said.
“Every fight is nerve-wracking and to wait for more than four hours plays on your nerves. It was frustrating but the hungrier I am the more vicious I become. I just wanted to get in the ring and get it started.”
Keeping Draper penned in the corner or on the ropes, a first-round combination finished with an overhand left which opened a cut above his opponent’s eye and forced him further into his defensive shell.
Despite struggling with Al-Qahtani’s southpaw stance, the 36-year-old Englishman seemed content to stay on the backfoot and throw little in reply as the Saudi fighter’s frustration grew, even though he was well on top throughout the four-round contest.
“I need to work on not letting my emotions get the better of me, to stay cool. I would have been better had I not been angry,” Al-Qahtani said.
“Richard Williams was in my corner telling me, ‘your emotions are taking over, relax.’ The second and third rounds was when the work started and by the fourth round I was landing a few left hands and his eyes were rolling.
“But he kept grabbing me, not letting me finishing it. If I had another two rounds, I would have put him down.
“It’s very difficult to force a knockout in just four rounds. When it happens, either the guy is not a good fighter at all and doesn’t know what he’s doing or it’s just a case of a freak power-puncher like Mike Tyson.
“That’s why I need to start fighting over eight, 10 or 12 rounds. I like to break opponents down and that’s when you’ll see the best of me.”
What relaxed Al-Qahtani was the victory, as the referee raised “Triple Zee’s” left hand close to midnight following a dominant display. But his post-fight celebration also helped him unwind — not partying the night away, but the simple pleasures of a pizza and doughnut.
The strict training regime fighters undergo in the build-up to fights and the need to make weight means all treats have to be sacrificed in order to be in maximum condition; something Al-Qahtani admits is the hardest part of being a professional boxer.
“I got a pizza and a Krispy Kreme and munched them in my car. That pizza was so amazing. People won’t understand how good that tasted. It’s impossible to put into words.
“Before the fight I was on the train and trying to make weight, and there was a woman who offered her boyfriend a chocolate and he didn’t want it. I was sat there staring thinking, ‘you don’t understand what I’d do for a chocolate right now.’
“I was trying to make weight, I was so hungry and, man, I have such a sweet tooth — I love my milkshakes, I love my chocolate bars.
“The hardest thing about boxing is not the fighting part it’s making weight. You have to rid yourself of all the things you like to eat. It’s pure dedication.”
‘Arabian Warrior’ Zuhayr Al-Qahtani looking to train in the US as he plots path to the top
‘Arabian Warrior’ Zuhayr Al-Qahtani looking to train in the US as he plots path to the top
- Saudi Arabia's first professional boxer has sights set on US training and titles
- Al-Qahtani has hopes he might be on the undercard of the Groves-Smith fight set to take place in Jeddah in September
Sabalenka downs Pegula to win US Open thriller
- World number two Sabalenka triumphed 7-5, 7-5 to add the New York title to her back-to-back Australian Open victories
NEW YORK: Aryna Sabalenka won the US Open and her third Grand Slam crown with a thrilling victory over a gallant Jessica Pegula in a rollercoaster final on Saturday.
World number two Sabalenka triumphed 7-5, 7-5 to add the New York title to her back-to-back Australian Open victories.
Pegula went down fighting, however, recovering from 0-3 and break point down to lead 5-3 in the second set before Sabalenka came through.
The 26-year-old from Belarus clubbed 40 winners to become the first woman since Angelique Kerber in 2016 to capture both hardcourt majors in the same season.
“I’m speechless. So many times I was close to the US Open title and finally I got it,” said Sabalenka, the runner-up last year and semifinalist in 2022 and 2023.
“Never give up on your dream. Work hard. I’m super proud of myself.”
Pegula had arrived in New York with a title in Toronto and runner-up spot to Sabalenka in Cincinnati.
She had won 15 out of 16 matches on the North American summer hard court swing.
“I wish she would have at least let me get one set. We had a tough match in Cincinnati a few weeks ago and she’s one of the best in the world,” said the American.
“She’s super powerful and isn’t going to give you anything. She can take the racquet out of your hand.
“I’m just glad I was able to stay in there and keep taking opportunities.”
Sabalenka lost the 2023 US Open final to Pegula’s compatriot Coco Gauff and she struggled to settle in during the early stages on Saturday as a flurry of errors handed the home favorite a break for 2-1.
But the powerful Sabalenka levelled immediately and broke again for 4-2.
A capacity crowd of 23,000 included sporting royalty such as Olympic 100m gold medallist Noah Lyles, NBA star Steph Curry and former Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton watched on.
Most were behind Pegula but the 30-year-old was defenseless against the remorseless hitting of the world number two, whose screams echoed beneath the closed roof of the cavernous Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Pegula, who had knocked out world number one Iga Swiatek and then battled from a set and break down to see off Karolina Muchova in the semifinal, clung on.
From 2-5 down, she hit back for 5-5, breaking Sabalenka as the Australian Open champion served for the set.
In a marathon 12th game, however, Pegula saved four set points but not the fifth.
Sabalenka had unleashed 25 winners and committed 23 unforced errors to Pegula’s nine and 11, illustrating a dramatic contrast of styles in the 60-minute opener.
For the second match in succession, Pegula was soon a set and break down again, a double fault allowing Sabalenka to move ahead 3-0.
Incredibly, the 30-year-old stormed back to lead 5-3 before Sabalenka broke in the 10th game as her opponent attempted to level the final.
Sabalenka held her nerve to claim victory when Pegula went long with a weary drive.
Martin roars to victory in San Marino sprint
- Martin has not won a GP since May but his consistency has helped him accumulate a decent advantage
MISANO ADRIATICO: Jorge Martin claimed a statement victory in Saturday’s sprint race at the San Marino and Rimini Riviera MotoGP, extending his overall lead over reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia with a stunning performance.
Pramac rider Martin is 26 points in front of pole-sitter Bagnaia ahead of the main event Grand Prix on Sunday after charging to an unexpected second sprint win of the season.
The Spaniard, who won at Misano Adriatico last year, started in fourth on the grid but got away like lightning and was ahead of Bagnaia by the first turn.
He comfortably held off Ducati’s Bagnaia for the rest of the 13-lap sprint and crossed the finish line 1.495 seconds in front of his Italian rival, improving his position at the top of the standings.
“Today I expected maybe to be fighting with Pecco (Bagnaia) but I didn’t expect to do that start,” said Martin.
“I even had a gap to keep for the last two laps so super happy. For tomorrow it’s another story but I feel confident that we are in a good way, super good and super fast.”
Martin has not won a GP since the French back in May but his consistency has helped him accumulate a decent advantage as he searches for his first MotoGP title. The 27-year-old had finished second in both the sprint and GP at four of the previous five events and his display on Saturday means he cannot be overtaken in the standings this weekend by Bagnaia, regardless of what happens in Sunday’s race.
It was a big blow for Bagnaia, who was favorite to cut the gap separating him from Martin after claiming pole position with a record-breaking fastest lap at the “Marco Simoncelli” circuit earlier on Saturday.
Two-time champion Bagnaia is riding with injuries to his shoulder, neck and collarbone after crashing out of last weekend’s Aragon MotoGP but looked in great form before Martin left him for dust.
“I’m absolutely not happy ... The start was a disaster, I lost first position and from that moment it was very difficult,” said Bagnaia.
“In any case, second position after what happened last week is OK. We will work to improve the start because it was a disaster and try to be in a better shape tomorrow.”
Bagnaia is at least helped by this weekend being the first of two in a row at the Misano, as the same circuit is being used later in September for the Emilia Romagna GP which replaces the canceled race in Kazakhstan.
Marc Marquez, a double winner at Alcaniz last weekend, had a harder time in Italy and lost ground on Martin, dropping to 77 points off the summit in third after finishing the sprint in sixth place.
Six-time champion Marquez battled up the rankings from his starting position of ninth on the grid, but has been caught on 234 points by Enea Bastianini.
Carsley makes flying start as England interim boss in win over Ireland
- Rice and Grealish, who both snubbed Ireland to represent England, scored in the first half of Carsley’s maiden game in charge following Gareth Southgate’s exit
- Carsley has stepped up on a temporary basis while the Football Association seek a permanent successor to Southgate
DUBLIN: England interim manager Lee Carsley enjoyed a dream debut as goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish silenced their Ireland tormentors and inspired a 2-0 win in Saturday’s Nations League opener in Dublin.
Rice and Grealish, who both snubbed Ireland to represent England, scored in the first half of Carsley’s maiden game in charge following Gareth Southgate’s exit.
Southgate quit after England’s heartbreaking Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain in July.
Carsley, who guided England Under-21s to European Championship glory last year, has stepped up on a temporary basis while the Football Association seek a permanent successor to Southgate.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and former Chelsea manager Graham Potter are said to be among the leading contenders.
But Carsley’s hopes of landing the job himself were boosted by England’s confident display in the Nations League Group B2 victory at the Aviva Stadium.
It was a bold statement of intent from the 50-year-old, whose adventurous England were a far cry from the staid unit that twice finished as Euro runners-up under Southgate despite rarely playing to their potential.
England’s first win in Dublin since 1964 has to be placed in context given the poverty of opposition provided by Ireland
Ireland’s new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson is a qualified dentist and he may find the job of rebuilding his struggling team proves more painful than root canal treatment.
Carsley stuck by his controversial decision not to sing ‘God save the King’ before kick-off, a move that antagonized the more patriotic sections of England’s fanbase.
Birmingham-born Carsley has Irish grandparents, which allowed him to win 40 Ireland caps during his playing career, but he said on Friday that he has never sung a national anthem because he prefers to focus on the match ahead.
If Carsley, whose next game comes against Finland at Wembley on Tuesday, continues to mastermind this kind of eye-catching performance, the debate over his anthem stance will quickly be forgotten.
This was only England’s second trip to Dublin in 29 years after a 1995 friendly between the teams was abandoned when visiting fans rioted at Lansdowne Road.
Promoting “a new era of friendship” between countries with a tortured political past, Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer swapped football shirts ahead of the match.
There was still a hostile reception for Rice and Grealish, who were jeered by the 50,000 crowd for changing their allegiance to England despite representing Ireland at senior and Under-21 levels respectively earlier in their careers.
Neither was bothered by the taunts as Rice starred and Grealish, omitted from the Euro squad, seized the chance to shine as England’s number 10 in the absence of Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.
Carsley’s nerves were exposed when he mistakenly sat on the Ireland bench before kick-off, but England eased their novice manager’s anxiety in the 11th minute.
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, who got just one minute of playing time at the Euros, accelerated onto Trent Alexander-Arnold’s raking pass for a shot that was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.
Gordon worked the rebound back to Harry Kane and his strike deflected to Rice, who planted a fine finish into the top corner from 12 yards.
Rice took the diplomatic approach as he refused to celebrate the goal, instead opting for a placatory gesture that suggested he wanted to bury the hatchet over his England switch.
Playing with far more freedom and imagination than they could muster under Southgate, England struck again in the 26th minute.
After Alexander-Arnold and Kobbie Mainoo exchanged passes, Grealish capped a flowing move, meeting Rice’s cutback with a fine finish into the bottom corner from 10 yards.
There was no hiding Grealish’s delight as he celebrated in front of England’s supporters and put his fingers in his ears to suggest he wasn’t bothered by the Irish abuse.
England had to knuckle down more in the second half as Ireland found some momentum, but they were never in danger of blowing the lead as Carsley’s audition got off to the perfect start.
Klopp celebrates ‘school reunion’ on return to Dortmund dugout
- “It was like a school reunion,” Klopp told Sky Germany, adding “it’s what I always dreamed of: that we’d meet again in life and just have a good time together”
- Dortmund also said goodbye to defender Mats Hummels
BERLIN: Former Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp said his return to the club’s dugout in Saturday’s testimonial match was “like a school reunion,” nine years after his last match as club coach.
Dortmund bid farewell to team stalwarts Jakub Blaszczykowski and Lukas Piszczek, with each captaining a side featuring several club legends as well as current manager Nuri Sahin.
Blaszczykowski’s side, coached by Klopp, won 5-4 in front of 82,000 fans at a sold out Westfalenstadion.
“It was like a school reunion,” Klopp told Sky Germany, adding “it’s what I always dreamed of: that we’d meet again in life and just have a good time together.
“It’s like coming home. There are so many great memories. It’s nice to see the fans again.”
Klopp spent seven years as Dortmund coach, winning two Bundesliga titles, one German Cup and taking the team to the 2013 Champions League final at Wembley, where they lost to archrivals Bayern Munich.
Klopp, who stepped down as Liverpool boss at the end of last season citing exhaustion, is yet to return to coaching, having said in July “as of today, that’s it for me as a coach.”
The coach poked fun at the aging players, saying “we had a lot of excess weight in attack, midfield and defense today.”
Dortmund also said goodbye to defender Mats Hummels, who left the club for Serie A side Roma in the summer.
Hummels, who played 508 games for Dortmund, was one of only a few current players to take the pitch.
He said afterwards “it’s a mix of joy and sadness.
“I’ve spent a lot of my football life here.”
Pakistan says head coach to scout for cricketing talent in domestic event after dismal performances
- Pakistan have been reeling after their first-ever Test series loss to Bangladesh this month, the latest in a string of poor performances
- The defeat came hard on the heels of chastening losses against Afghanistan and United States in the ODI and T20 World Cups respectively
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s head coach Gary Kirsten will be scouting for cricketing talent in the upcoming Champions Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Saturday, following a series of dismal performances by the national side.
Pakistan have been left reeling after their first-ever Test series loss to Bangladesh this month, the latest in a string of poor performances which have seen the game hit rock bottom.
The cricket-mad nation was left in despair after losing the second Test in Rawalpindi by six wickets on Tuesday as Bangladesh swept the series 2-0. It was the 10th winless home Test in a row for former powerhouses Pakistan.
However, the PCB has set its sights on the inaugural Champions One-Day Cup, due to take place at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from September 12 to 29, to find new cricketing talent in the country.
“Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten will be arriving on 12 September to witness the entire Champions One-Day Cup and it will surely be exciting for him to work in the domestic circuit in order to look into the young talent with an eye on the upcoming white-ball assignments in Australia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, followed by the home tri-national series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” Nadeem Khan, a senior PCB official, was quoted as saying by the board.
“The Champions One-Day Cup will help us unearth future white-ball prospects for the Pakistan’s white-ball teams, also marking the start of the preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Having the Champions Cup in September will allow us to give an extended opportunity to the top performers of this tournament in International cricket before the mega-event commences home.”
Team mentors of the five sides in the tournament include Misbah-ul-Haq (Wolves), Saqlain Mushtaq (Panthers), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Dolphins), Shoaib Malik (Stallions) and Waqar Younis (Lions). The PCB also announced captains and provisional squads on Friday.
The tournament featuring top players from across the country will be a 50-over competition played on a single-league format. All matches will start at 3pm, except for the match between Lions and Panthers on September 16, which will begin at 9:30am.
Pakistan’s loss to Bangladesh came hard on the heels of chastening losses against Afghanistan and the USA in the ODI and T20 World Cups respectively.
Pakistan also have a dismal record in Tests at home in the past three years — six defeats and four draws, including England’s first-ever 3-0 series sweep there in 2022.
Ominously, in-form England are Pakistan’s next visitors and will play three Tests beginning in Multan on October 7.
Pakistan are not faring any better away from home and lost all three Tests in Australia earlier this year — their sixth successive whitewash there since 1999.
Analysts say frequent changes at the top of the PCB, which has had five chairmen in the past three years, have impeded progress. There have also been constant switches of captains and coaching staff while the domestic system of tournaments has had countless overhauls.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi himself called for “surgery in the system” after the T20 World Cup exit.
“We need to fix our problems,” he said last month. “But when we look at how to resolve them, we don’t have any solid data or player pool which we can draw from.”
Ex-skipper Wasim Akram echoed Naqvi’s analysis.
“The quality of our cricket has gone down with no grassroots activity, so we do not have proper back-ups,” he said recently. “We have a lot to work on.”
