LONDON: Boxing promoter Kalle Sauerland believes the World Boxing Super Series Final in Jeddah will “open the door” to more boxing events in the region, comparing it to the fabled “Thrilla in Manila” and “Rumble in the Jungle” fights of the 1970s.
George Groves and Callum Smith do battle for the WBA Super-Middleweight title on Sept. 28 in what Sauerland believes will be a momentous contest in Saudi Arabia.
And the German, whose company Sauerland Promotions is behind the World Boxing Super Series, insists that the fight is not about making a quick buck, but about growing the popularity of boxing in the Kingdom and the wider Middle East.
Sauerland told Arab News: “For both sides, we’ve already said this is about a long-term relationship to develop the sport in the region. That’s something that we very much intend to do. I fully expect this to become an annual event.
“You talk about opening the door to regions around the globe and the comparison has to be made with the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ and the ‘Thrilla in Manila.’ Those massive events lit the boxing fire in Africa and Asia respectively and I think we have that here.
“It’s not just about doing the event, it is about bringing the sport to the region and helping boxing flourish, hand in hand with the General Sports Authority.”
The Gulf has long been touted as a destination for world-class boxing, but while the likes of Amir Khan, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr have all expressed an interest in fighting there, a major event has yet to materialize.
There have been a smattering of one-off fights, including the final bout of former world heavyweight champion Michael Moorer’s career, a victory over fellow American Shelby Gross in Dubai in 2007.
But Groves vs Smith is unquestionably the highest-profile clash to date, pitting two boxers at the top of their game against each other in Jeddah.
Sauerland says the issue for the many promoters who have looked at hosting events in the Middle East before has been a lack of genuine intent from potential partners on the ground.
He said: “I think many people wonder why it has not been possible for a Team Sauerland, a Matchroom, or even a Don King or Bob Arum to bring an event here over the years. Everyone has talked about it because so many boxers head to places like Dubai. There has been a lot of hype.
“I was with Amir Khan recently in Los Angeles and we were discussing it because he has also said he wants to fight in the Gulf, but that first big fight has just never got over the line.
“We’ve been in communication with people in the region often over the years but there have just never been concrete developments. People talk about wanting to host events but then fail to follow through. Many promoters have had the same problem.”
Sauerland has had no such problem with the GSA, which has shown a desire to make the Boxing World Super Series Final a flagship event in its sports portfolio.
“It’s about finding the right entry point for boxing, and that’s what we’ve got with our event in Jeddah. We finally had a serious approach this time from the GSA and the deal went through very quickly.
“What Saudi Arabia is trying to deliver to the region is very aggressive and ambitious. But they showed with the WWE that they can pull these events off. They have the Italian Super Cup coming, the European Tour — it’s exciting to be involved with bringing world-class sport to the country.
“We have the Champions League of boxing, a product that is easy to grasp and we believe will be welcomed. The World Super Series Boxing Final may be the first boxing event in Saudi Arabia but it will certainly not be the last.”
Jeddah World Boxing Super Series final could be new ‘Thrilla in Manila’ for Middle East
Jeddah World Boxing Super Series final could be new ‘Thrilla in Manila’ for Middle East
Australia qualify for 2026 World Cup
PARIS: Australia booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America with a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Tuesday.
The Socceroos will play in a sixth consecutive World Cup finals after finishing second in Group C in the third round of Asian qualifiers, as the Saudis head into the fourth round.
Canelo Alvarez to face Terence Crawford in Riyadh Season Las Vegas showdown
- Fight between 2 of boxing’s biggest generational athletes will be streamed on Netflix
- They will compete for the unified Super Middleweight championship on Sept. 13
LONDON: Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will face off against Terence Crawford on Sept. 13 in Las Vegas, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Boxing Federation, and Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, have announced.
The highly anticipated fight between two of boxing’s biggest generational athletes will be streamed on Netflix for more than 300 million subscribers on the platform.
White, Alashikh and Saudi events firm Sela will collaborate to promote the event, which is part of Riyadh Season.
The showdown will be promoted through a promotional tour with stops in Riyadh on June 20, New York City on June 22 and Las Vegas on June 27.
The venue for the fight in Las Vegas, scheduled for September, will be announced at a later date. The boxers will compete for the unified Super Middleweight championship.
Alalshikh said on Tuesday: “Canelo and Crawford, two legends of boxing, will finally compete against each other in the fight of the century.”
Dana White described the anticipated fight in Las Vegas as historic. He added: “Turki wants to make the biggest fights that the fans want to see in boxing and this is right up my alley ... it’s literally a once in a lifetime fight.”
Mexican star Canelo is ready to prove he is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. “I’m super happy to be making history again and this time on a Riyadh Season card that will be broadcast on Netflix,” he said.
Crawford, the undefeated American superstar, is confident that his record speaks for itself. “I am the best fighter in the world and no matter the opponent or weight class, I have always come out on top,” he said.
“On Sept. 13, my hand will be raised once again as the world watches greatness,” Crawford told fans.
Baseball United and Tokyo Broadcasting System launch reality show to find Japan’s next baseball stars
- The national competition, ‘Tryout: Plan D,’ will give hopeful players a chance to compete professionally in the Dubai league
DUBAI: A partnership between Baseball United, the first professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and South Asia, and leading Japanese broadcaster Tokyo Broadcast System will give young baseball players a shot at becoming professional stars.
The reality show, “Tryout: Plan D,” will feature hundreds of hopefuls competing for two roster spots on the Mid East Falcons, one of Baseball United’s founding franchises. The winners will play for the Falcons during the inaugural season in Dubai, which begins on Nov. 14.
Participants will compete in several stages of the competition, starting in July and ending in November. Ultimately, one pitcher and one batter will be selected after a series of intense challenges measuring skill, mental toughness, physical fitness and passion for the game.
The partnership will be anchored by TBS’s long running and widely respected show, バース・デイ(“Birthday”), a documentary series that has chronicled the triumphs and struggles of athletes across Japan for the last 20 years.
Airing on Friday nights, it explores its subjects’ personal transformations and emotional journeys. “Tryout” will bring to life a compelling mix of reality television, human interest and competitive action, while providing real opportunities for Japanese baseball prospects.
“Japan is one of the greatest baseball nations in the world,” said Kash Shaikh, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Baseball United.
“Baseball is engrained into the culture, history and future of this country. And we know there are a lot of talented players that just need an opportunity to showcase their ability. ‘Tryout’ is more than just a competition — it’s a celebration of culture, a catalyst of opportunity and a testament (to) resilience. We are honored to collaborate with TBS and the legendary ‘Birthday’ team to bring this vision to life.”
Tryout will begin airing on TBS in July, with behind-the-scenes content and exclusive footage shared across Baseball United’s global channels. The two winners will be officially introduced as members of the Mid East Falcons before the team’s game against the Karachi Monarchs on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
“Our program バース・デイ has always sought to showcase the untold stories behind athletic greatness,” said show producer Hidemitsu Takahashi.
“Partnering with Baseball United allows us to elevate that mission by offering young Japanese players the opportunity of a lifetime — to transform their lives through sport, and to do so on a truly international platform. We can’t wait to have our two winners take the field in Dubai.”
Baseball United was co-founded by Shaikh, John Miedreich, and MLB Hall of Famers Barry Larkin and Mariano Rivera in November 2022. Its ownership group now includes 20 MLB legends, including Hall of Famer Adrian Beltre and stars Felix Hernandez, Ryan Howard, Albert Pujols, Ronald Acuna Jr., Robinson Chirinos, and Matt Barnes. The league currently has four franchises, the Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs, Arabia Wolves and Mid East Falcons, who will all compete in the league’s first season from Nov. 14-Dec. 14. All games will be played at Baseball United Ballpark in Dubai.
SHE RUNS 2025: UAE’s largest women’s fitness event set for return
- Previously known as the Women’s Run, it will take place at Expo City on Nov. 2
DUBAI: The UAE’s most iconic women’s fitness event is making a comeback under a new identity titled SHE RUNS.
Reimagined to reflect the spirit of a new generation, the event will take place on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Expo City Dubai, celebrating inclusion, strength, and the collective power of women.
Formerly known as the Women’s Run, this 12th edition marks more than a name change, it signals a transformative movement toward wellbeing, leadership, and community connection, according to the organizers.
Participants of all ages and fitness levels — whether running, jogging or walking — can join across multiple race categories, including 1 km, 3 km, 5 km and 10km.
Dedicated tracks for young girls, Emirati women, and People of Determination reflect the event’s commitment to diversity and intergenerational participation.
“In embracing inclusivity, SHE RUNS does not just count miles, it counts moments. Each step is a testament to the power of community driving change,” said Dr. Harmeek Singh, founder and CEO of Plan b Group, the event’s organizing partner.
This year’s edition runs under the banner “For Voices. For Connection. For Change.” This is in alignment with the UAE’s Year of the Community.
Backed by the Dubai Sports Council and integrated into the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30x30, SHE RUNS is also a strategic partner of the Dubai Active Show, further anchoring its role as a national movement in health and wellness.
“SHE RUNS reflects the very essence of what the Dubai Fitness Challenge is about; empowering individuals through movement and bringing communities together in the spirit of wellbeing,” said a spokesperson from the Dubai Sports Council.
Also returning for 2025 is the high-energy SHE RUNS Power Hour, a pre-race activation featuring motivational talks, dynamic group warmups, and outreach programs for schools, universities and corporate teams.
Madrid to host grand prix as Formula One announces 2026 calendar
- Spain will host two Formula One grands prix in 2026, with the new race in Madrid joining Barcelona, after organizers on Tuesday announced the calendar for a season
HONG KONG: Spain will host two Formula One grands prix in 2026, with the new race in Madrid joining Barcelona, after organizers on Tuesday announced the calendar for a season that could bring big changes on the grid.
The 2026 campaign will open for the second successive season in Australia at Melbourne’s Albert Park street circuit on March 6-8.
The race in the Spanish capital Madrid is on September 11-13 and will bring the curtain down on the European segment of the season.
The new Madrid circuit will have both street and non-street sectors.
The 24-weekend campaign will again conclude in Abu Dhabi, on December 4-6.
Montreal in Canada will now follow Miami in May to cut down on traveling for the teams.
The 2026 season promises to look radically different with Cadillac becoming the 11th team on the grid and sweeping new regulations on aerodynamics and power units.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, said: “Next year’s FIA Formula One World Championship marks a significant new chapter for our sport.
“A new race, new teams, and the arrival of new manufacturers, all ushering in a fresh era of innovation and competition.”
Formula One 2026 calendar:
March 6-8: Melbourne, Australia
March 13-15: Shanghai, China
March 27-29: Suzuka, Japan
April 10-12: Sakhir, Bahrain
April 17-19: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
May 1-3: Miami, United States
May 22-24: Montreal, Canada
June 5-7: Monaco
June 12-14: Barcelona, Spain
June 26-28: Spielberg, Austria
July 3-5: Silverstone, Great Britain
July 17-19: Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
July 24-26: Budapest, Hungary
August 21-23: Zandvoort, Netherlands
Sept 4-6: Monza, Italy
Sept 11-13: Madrid, Spain
Sept 25-27: Baku, Azerbaijan
Oct 9-11 Singapore
Oct 23-25 Austin, United States
Oct 30-Nov 1: Mexico City, Mexico
Nov 6-8 Sao Paulo, Brazil
Nov 19-21 Las Vegas, United States
Nov 27-29 Lusail, Qatar
Dec 4-6: Abu Dhabi, UAE
