‘Day of Reckoning’ in Riyadh set to reorder boxing’s heavyweight division

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Updated 08 December 2023
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‘Day of Reckoning’ in Riyadh set to reorder boxing’s heavyweight division

  • Several top-10 fighters will clash on Dec. 23, including Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua

RIYADH: Boxing’s heavyweight division is set for a major reordering when the “Day of Reckoning” takes place in Riyadh on Dec. 23, with a number of top-10 fighters vying for No. 1 status.

Leading the pack are Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua, who may fight each other after their bouts this month. A bout between the two has long been mooted but negotiations have broken down several times over the past few years.

They are on the same card and seeking to become the No. 1 contender for the World Boxing Council title.

Should both win their respective bouts, they will face each other for the right to challenge the winner of the undisputed heavyweight championship between WBC champion Tyson Fury and Unified Heavyweight Champion Oleksander Usyk that will take place in February in Riyadh.

Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the WBC, recently outlined the stakes involved for Wilder and Joshua.

“We’ve been waiting and pushing and mediating and encouraging everyone to try to make this happen,” he told Sky Sports recently.

“When Wilder was champion there were a couple of occasions where Wilder-Joshua came very close. The WBC left that window without interfering with anything that could get in the way.”

Before that, there is the small matter of Wilder facing current IBF and WBO Intercontinental Champion Joseph Parker, a difficult opponent for anyone on any given night.

Parker, fresh from a knockout victory over Simon Kean at Riyadh’s “Battle of the Baddest” in October, is hoping to extend his winning streak and stake his own claim to the throne.

Meanwhile, standing in Joshua’s way is Otto Wallin, who is ranked nine, and has only lost to Fury.

Wallin and Joshua faced off as amateurs over a decade ago — with the latter winning both in 2010 and 2011. It could be third time’s the charm for Wallin who, since then, may have developed the skill — and the will — to finally overcome Joshua.

Wallin is currently ranked No. 2 in the IBF heavyweight rankings, with rumors of that title becoming vacant next year. Should this happen, Joshua will wish to leapfrog Wallin to face No. 1-ranked Filip Hrgovic for the IBF title.

In Riyadh, Hrgovic will face the Australian Mark De Mori who has only been beaten twice in 45 fights. This fight is crucial for Hrgovic, who needs to keep his No. 1 IBF spot to challenge for the title next year. He has his work cut out for him as De Mori has an almost 90 percent knockout rate.

Daniel Dubois, who lost to Usyk in August, takes on the unbeaten knockout artist Jarrell Miller. Dubois lost the fight against Usyk after a contentious “low blow” ruling saw the Brit lose his momentum against the Ukrainian.

Russia’s Arslanbek Makhmudov against Germany’s Agit Kabayel could be the sleeper fun fight of the night. Makhmudov, the current WBC-NABF champion, has been steadily climbing the rankings, and will hope to defeat the unbeaten Kabayel, the EBU heavyweight champion.

Rounding out the heavyweights on the card is Frank Sanchez who will take on Junior Fa. This is a crucial bout for Fa, who has lost two of his last three fights. He faces a challenging task ahead in the form of the unbeaten Sanchez, the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion.

“In itself it is a natural WBC elimination tournament,” said Sulaiman. “You have Wilder, No. 1 Joshua, you have Parker, you have Otto Wallin, all those are highly ranked in the WBC. After Dec. 23 we’re going to see a different picture in the rankings.”

Looming further on the horizon is one of boxing’s newest and hottest properties: Francis Ngannou. The Cameroonian has catapulted himself into the WBC top 10 by almost beating Fury. A rematch is possible, according to Fury’s promoter Frank Warren.


Gulf Giants end drought with commanding 6-wicket victory over Dubai Capitals 

Updated 19 January 2025
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Gulf Giants end drought with commanding 6-wicket victory over Dubai Capitals 

  • Erasmus, Hetmyer shine as Giants chase down 166 with ease to register first win of DP World ILT20 season

DUBAI: The Gulf Giants notched up their first victory of their DP World ILT20 Season 3 campaign with a with a six-wicket triumph against the Dubai Capitals on Saturday evening.

Chasing 166, Gerhard Erasmus and Shimron Hetmyer put on a match-winning partnership of 80 runs in only 44 deliveries. Erasmus finished with an unbeaten 34-ball 50, while Hetmyer was also not out with 41 runs in just 20 balls, including four sixes. 

Batting first, the Dubai Capitals lost wickets at regular intervals, restricting them to 165/7 in 20 overs. Aayan Afzal Khan and Mark Adair led the Giants’ bowling attack with two-wicket hauls each. 

Adam Lyth wasted no time setting the tone for the Giants’ run chase, striking four boundaries and a six during an aggressive 32-run innings off just 17 deliveries. His knock ended in the eighth over, with Farhan Khan claiming his wicket. 

Earlier, James Vince fell for 10 runs in the fourth over, handing Obed McCoy the first breakthrough. The Capitals tightened their grip shortly after when Scott Kuggeleijn dismissed Ibrahim Zadran, putting the Giants under pressure with two early blows. 

Jordan Cox and Erasmus consolidated the innings with a 35-run stand. Cox was careful in his 27-run knock but perished attempting a big shot, caught by Olly Stone off Sikandar Raza’s bowling. The match was evenly poised with the Giants at 88/5 in 11.5 overs. 

With Hetmyer joining Erasmus in the middle, the Giants needed 48 runs in 30 balls. Erasmus reduced the pressure with a 12-run over against Obed McCoy in the 16th. Hetmyer followed it up with an 18-run over, including two sixes off Olly stone, to further the Giants’ cause. The pair then added 14 runs in the 18th over before Hetmyer smashed a six over mid-wicket to complete the run chase in 18.1 overs. 

Earlier in the evening, the Dubai Capitals had a mixed start to their innings, losing both openers in the powerplay despite aggressive intent. Shai Hope fell for 11 runs to Blessing Muzarabani, while Ben Dunk looked dangerous during his 28-run knock, which included three fours and two sixes, before being dismissed by Uzair Khan. 

Aayan Afzal Khan was lethal as he struck in the eighth over, claiming Brandon McMullen’s wicket for 11 runs, leaving the Capitals in further trouble. Raza and Rovman Powell then steadied the innings with a valuable 45-run stand off 32 balls. Raza took down Tymal Mills for four consecutive boundaries in the 11th over. However, neither batter could capitalize on their starts — Raza departed for 28, courtesy of Wahidullah Zadran, while Powell’s knock of 25 was cut short by Aayan Afzal Khan as well, to leave the Capitals at 121/5 in 15.1 overs.

Gulbadin Naib added 15 runs in the death overs before falling to Adair, who struck twice in quick succession by also dismissing Kuggeleijn. Dasun Shanaka’s late blitz proved essential, as his 20-ball cameo of 33, featuring three sixes, lifted the Capitals to a respectable 165/7 in their allotted 20 overs. 

Player of the Match Erasmus said: “We were raring to get our first win, having lost the first few. When you know you have quality around you, you know you have a bit more time. I think teams can often get tense when you’re not getting your first win, but we came together and created positive energy and that went a long way in helping us express ourselves out there. I have special memories in this ground with the Namibian team as well.” 

Dubai Capitals captain Raza said: “It was a little bit more like a Sharjah wicket I felt. The way Erasmus and Hetmyer were batting, even 170 wouldn’t have been enough. Sometimes we doze off here and there and it has cost us a couple games. In the DP World ILT20 anybody can beat anybody.” 

 

Brief Scores  

Gulf Giants beat Dubai Capitals by six wickets. 

 

Dubai Capitals 165/7 in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 33 not out, Sikandar Raza 28, Ben Dunk 28, Aayan Afzal Khan 2 for 12, Mark Adair 2 for 39) 

Gulf Giants 168/4 in 18.1 overs (Gerhard Erasmus 50 not out, Shimron Hetmyer 41 not out, Adam Lyth 32, Farhan Khan 1 for 14, Sikandar Raza 1 for 31) 

Player of the Match: Gerhard Erasmus 


Baniyas continues domination on second day of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Updated 19 January 2025
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Baniyas continues domination on second day of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

  • Al-Ain and Sharjah followed the leaders in second and third place respectively

ABU DHABI: Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club maintained its lead on the second day of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, being held at Mubadala Arena. Al-Ain Club secured the runner-up position, while Sharjah Self-Defense Sports clinched third place.

The second day featured fierce competitions in the youth categories (U-14 and U-16), with participants showcasing high-level discipline, perseverance, and determination to achieve victory.

Maryam Abu Hadib of Baniyas Club, a white belt who claimed bronze in the 44 kg category for U-14s, shared her excitement at winning a medal.

“I am very happy to win the bronze medal at the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship,” she said. “I chose jiu-jitsu because it is a non-violent sport that improves physical fitness and self-confidence. Representing Baniyas Club and achieving this milestone motivates me to continue improving and striving for more success.”

Abu Hadib’s mother, Majda Yahya, highlighted the sport’s benefits after watching her daughter’s win.

“Jiu-jitsu is one of the best sports children can choose, as it offers benefits beyond competition. It promotes discipline, self-confidence, and commitment while enhancing physical and mental abilities,” she said.

Fahd Saud Al-Dhaheri of Al-Ain Club, who won the gold medal in the 55 kg category for U-16s, spoke about his accomplishment: “Winning the gold medal in this championship is a significant step in my sports journey. This prestigious tournament provides a professional environment that pushes young athletes like me to develop our skills and achieve our goals. It inspires us to give our best and aim higher.”


Naqi team take gold at Saudi Elite Hockey Championship

Updated 19 January 2025
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Naqi team take gold at Saudi Elite Hockey Championship

  • The medals and trophy were awarded by Saudi Hockey Federation President Mohammed Al-Mandeel
  • Defending champions Najd Falcons came second, with Al-Ittihad in third

RIYADH: There were celebrations on Saturday as Naqi won the second edition of the Saudi Elite Hockey Championship.

Team members received their gold medals and winners’ trophy from Saudi Hockey Federation President Mohammed Al-Mandeel at the end of the event, played over two days at the Green Halls of Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex.

Featuring 80 players from eight teams, it was attended by Ahmed Al-Jaidan, vice chairman of the SHF board, and board member Reham Al-Ajroush.

Defending champions Najd Falcons received silver medals for coming in second place, while Al-Ittihad took bronze for third.

In the individual awards, Nouman Rashid (Naqi) was named Best Player of the Tournament, with Moaid Dhoha (Al-Ittihad) as Best Goalkeeper. Top Scorer was Akbar Zaman of United Thalassery Sports Club and Best Young Player was Abdulrahman Al-Shammari (Al-Shabab).

Al-Mandeel praised the success of the event, saying it emphasized the Federation’s efforts to promote hockey and establish it as a popular competitive sport in Saudi Arabia.

Along with tournaments, the organization has established domestic and international training camps to help discover the Kingdom’s talented hockey players, many of whom shone during the championship.

Al-Mandeel also expressed his appreciation for support from the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committees.


Pakistan’s Sajid and Abrar demolish West Indies in first Test win

Updated 56 min 28 sec ago
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Pakistan’s Sajid and Abrar demolish West Indies in first Test win

  • Sajid Khan takes 5-50 and match figures of 9-115 to bamboozle West Indies
  • Test lasted fewer than 8 sessions, with start delayed on first day by poor visibility

Multan, Pakistan: Spinner Sajid Khan took five wickets and Abrar Ahmed another four to guide Pakistan to a 127-run win on the third day of the first Test against West Indies in Multan on Sunday.
Sajid took 5-50 for match figures of 9-115, while leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed snared 4-27 as West Indies were dismissed for 123, falling well short of their victory target of 251.
Pakistan’s spinners took all the wickets in West Indies’ second innings, with Noman Ali chipping in with 1-42, as the home side took an early advantage in the two-Test series.
Left-handed batter Alick Athanaze hit 55, the only half-century of the match for the tourists, and added 41 runs for the sixth wicket with Tevin Imlach.
Sajid removed the dangerous Athanaze, while Abrar’s haul included the final wicket of Jomel Warrican.
Left-armer Warrican had led the spin attack for the tourists with a career-best 7-32 as Pakistan were bowled out for 157 in their second innings.
They were also the best figures by a West Indian bowler in Pakistan, topping fast bowler Malcolm Marshall’s 5-33 at Lahore in 1986.
The Test lasted fewer than eight sessions, with the start delayed on the first day by poor visibility.
The Multan pitch provided sharp turn, with Sajid taking the wickets of skipper Kraigg Brathwaite (12), Keacy Carty (six), Kavem Hodge (0) and Mikyle Louis (13).
Noman then trapped Justin Greaves leg before wicket for nine in the last over before lunch, leaving the tourists tottering on 54-5.
Pakistan had resumed earlier on 109-3 but managed to add just 48 runs.
Warrican’s nagging line and length earned him match figures of 10-101, his first 10-wicket match haul.
He dismissed overnight batter Saud Shakeel for two with the first ball of the day and then had Mohammad Rizwan for the same score in his next over.
Warrican continued the demolition act with the wickets of Kamran Ghulam (27), Noman (nine) and Sajid (five).
The second match starts on January 25, also in Multan.
 


Richard Mille win Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Championship final

Updated 19 January 2025
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Richard Mille win Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Championship final

  • The final score against Ikmah was 8-6 at Al-Fursan Village
  • Bentley team takes third beating AlUla 6-5  

ALULA: The Richard Mille polo team won the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Championship on Saturday, defeating Ikmah 8-6 in the final at Al-Fursan Village.

The triumphant players were awarded the trophy by Saudi Polo Federation President Amr Zidan and Abeer Al-Akel, acting CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla, in the presence of Piero Dillier, president of the International Polo Federation.

Bentley won third place after winning 6-5 against AlUla, who came in fourth, with Dadan claiming fifth place with a 7-6 victory over Budget.

Prince Hamzah bin Abbas of Jordan was named Best Player of the Tournament, while Claire Mountbatten won the Best Female Player award.

The tournament’s top scorer was international star Nacho Figueras, while Obsolete won the Best Horse award.

Congratulating the Richard Mille team on their success, Zidan said: “SPF is committed to continuing this tournament in collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla, with unlimited support from the wise leadership, and close supervision from the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports.”

The SPF president added the competition had witnessed a new champion, rapid development, strong competition and valuable experience for Saudi riders through competing against international stars.

He extended his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event.