Joshua V Dubois tops Riyadh Season card at Wembley Stadium

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Anthony Joshua will take on Daniel Dubois, as Riyadh Season comes to London, at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 21. (Supplied)
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Anthony Joshua will take on Daniel Dubois, as Riyadh Season comes to London, at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 21. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 June 2024
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Joshua V Dubois tops Riyadh Season card at Wembley Stadium

  • Former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will take on IBF interim heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in what is expected to be an intriguing contest
  • Frank Warren: ‘British fight fans and fans tuning in across the world will be treated to a British version of the quality of shows that are now a hallmark of Riyadh’

LONDON: Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh has confirmed that Joshua V Dubois will top the Riyadh Season card at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 21.

As Riyadh Season comes to London, former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will take on IBF interim heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in what is expected to be an intriguing contest.

Alalshikh said: “We are pleased to bring two of the world’s current best heavyweight fighters together in their home city of London and at Wembley Stadium, a historic venue for boxing.

“We know it will be another exciting contest, complemented by a great undercard of fights, and we look forward to giving British fans and visitors to London the opportunity to experience a Riyadh Season event just a matter of weeks before we officially launch the 2024 Season in Riyadh in October.”

The headline attraction is one of six all-British fights confirmed to take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium, which will feature a special guest music act that has yet to be announced.

Among the matchups, two-time world featherweight champion Josh Warrington returns to world title action by going up against the current super featherweight world champion Anthony Cacace. Hamzah Sheeraz, who recently secured a knockout victory against Austin Williams during the hugely successful 5 v 5 fight night in Riyadh, will take on European middleweight champion Tyler Denny.

Former British Olympian Josh Kelly will face former WBO super welterweight champion Liam Smith while the undefeated 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi will go into battle for the WBO Interim world championship by taking on Willy Hutchinson, who impressed at Kingdom Arena after claiming an impressive points victory over Craig Richards on the 5 v 5 card.

WBA Intercontinental champion Mark Chamberlain is also set to feature on the card against undefeated fellow British lightweight Josh Padley.

Frank Warren, Chairman of Queensberry Promotions, said: “Riyadh Season lands in London with the most spectacular and gripping event ever to be witnessed in this country. On September 21, British fight fans and fans tuning in across the world will be treated to a British version of the quality of shows that are now a hallmark of Riyadh, headlined by what promises to be a breathtaking clash of the big hitters between the new IBF interim world champion Daniel Dubois and the former unified champion Anthony Joshua.

“The undercard is simply unprecedented, with Willy Hutchinson being rewarded for his magnificent display on the 5 v 5 with a shot at the WBO Interim light heavyweight title against fellow British contender Joshua Buatsi in what is a huge opportunity for both fighters. Hamzah Sheeraz going up against European title holder Tyler Denny following Hamzah’s exploits in Riyadh last time out is another fight I can’t wait to watch.

“Anthony Cacace defending his super featherweight world titles against former featherweight world champion Josh Warrington promises to be all-out warfare.

“Liam Smith taking on Josh Kelly will be a classic confrontation at super welterweight and a clash between the old guard and the new.”

Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Boxing, said: “AJ is back at the National Stadium on what will be a blockbuster event. Riyadh Season comes to London and we are confident this will be a historic night full of opportunity for the fighters and drama for fans around the world.”

This London fight night represents the second Riyadh Season Card to be staged outside of Saudi Arabia, with the first taking place overseas in Los Angeles on August 3 as Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov compete for the WBA and WBO Interim World Super Welterweight title.

Tickets go on general sale at noon on Friday 28 June from TicketMaster.co.uk


Saudi’s Al-Qahtani aims to avenge loss to Jordan’s Alhyasat in Riyadh

Updated 25 November 2024
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Saudi’s Al-Qahtani aims to avenge loss to Jordan’s Alhyasat in Riyadh

  • The hometown fighter lost to his opponent in the semifinals but was handed a reprieve after original finalist Islam Reda withdrew due to injury

RIYADH: An odds-on favorite to become one of four inaugural PFL MENA champions, Saudi Arabian featherweight star Abdullah Al-Qahtani found himself on the wrong end of arguably the biggest upset of the first season — he fell to relative unknown Abdelrahman Alhyasat in the semifinals. 

Al-Qahtani had steamrolled his first four assignments inside the PFL SmartCage, but “The Reaper” was effectively neutralized by Alhyasat, as the Jordanian “Cobra” grappled his way to a unanimous victory. 

It seemed Al-Qahtani would have to go back to the drawing board and try again next season, but fate handed him a second chance at gold. Original finalist Islam Reda was forced to withdraw due to injury, clearing the path to a spot in the finals and a shot at redemption against Alhyasat. 

With gold on the line, the two talented 145-pounders will face each other in Riyadh on Nov. 29.

Back in the hunt, Al-Qahtani says he has studied his mistakes and plans to make things right.

“Together with my coaching team, I’ve analyzed the mistakes I made in the semifinal and focused on the positive aspects of my performance,” he said. “We’ve set the right plans for the final. God willing, Abdullah will be the one to crack Alhyasat’s code, win, and bring joy to the Saudi audience.”

Given that Al-Qahtani is arguably the biggest mixed martial arts star in Saudi Arabia today, it would be easy to assume his morale took a hit after bowing to a less-experienced fighter. But Al-Qahtani maintains the loss to Alhyasat was not a big deal. 

“Abdelrahman has five victories in his professional career and won the semifinal by unanimous decision. This hasn’t put pressure on me or affected my morale,” he said. “Since the PFL announced a month ago that I would be in the final, replacing Islam Reda due to his injury, I’ve been training intensively to prepare.”

Now with higher stakes, Al-Qahtani is more motivated to bring home the inaugural PFL MENA Featherweight Championship. 

“I have nine wins against two losses, and this motivates me to give my best, avenge the semifinal loss, and claim the title. Fighting on home soil with the Saudi crowd behind me will be a strong support as I aim to secure the belt.,” he said.

The complete PFL MENA Championships Fight Card:

PFL MENA Featherweight Championship: Abdelrahman Alhyasat (5-0) vs. Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-2)

PFL MENA Welterweight Championship: Mohammad Alaqraa (7-0) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (12-6)

Amateur Women’s Atomweight Bout: Hattan Alsaif vs. Lilia Osmani

PFL MENA Bantamweight Championship: Ali Taleb (11-1) vs. Rachid El Hazoume (15-3)

PFL MENA Lightweight Championship: Mohsen Mohammadseifi (6-1) vs. Georges Eid (10-4)

Showcase Fights:

Lightweight MENA Showcase: Mansour Barnaoui (21-6) vs. Alfie Davis (17-4-1)

Heavyweight MENA Showcase: Slim Trabelsi (7-0) vs. Abraham Bably (5-0)

Featherweight Global Showcase: Jesus Pinedo (23-6-1) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-4)

Featherweight Global Showcase: Asael Adjoudj (8-1) vs. Jose Perez (9-1)

Middleweight Global Showcase: Costello van Steenis (15-3) vs. Joao Dantas (7-1)


Hattan Alsaif ‘100 percent ready’ ahead of SmartCage return in Riyadh

Updated 25 November 2024
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Hattan Alsaif ‘100 percent ready’ ahead of SmartCage return in Riyadh

  • The rising Saudi MMA star faces Lilia Osmani in the first PFL MENA Championships on Nov. 29

RIYADH: When it comes to mixed martial arts in Saudi Arabia, there are few stars bigger than amateur standout Hattan Alsaif. 

The history-making striker signed with the Professional Fighters League earlier this year, making her the first Saudi female to ink a deal with a major combat sports promotion. 

And on Nov. 29 in Riyadh, Alsaif looks set to pick up her third straight win when she meets Algeria’s Lilia Osmani in the first- ever PFL MENA Championships. Competing on perhaps the most star-studded PFL card this year, Alsaif says she’s fully prepared to put on an impressive performance. 

“I am 100 percent ready for the anticipated match,” she said. “Achieving victory requires self-confidence, and I am confident in my abilities and my capacity to defeat my opponent, despite the fear, tension and anxiety I feel — not just before this fight, but before every fight I’ve faced.”

While Alsaif is only two fights deep into her MMA career, she’s no stranger to the rigors of combat sports training; she achieved success in Muay Thai before shifting gears to MMA.

For her upcoming bout, Alsaif has undergone a rigorous training camp. 

“Combat sports require high levels of focus and significant mental and physical preparation, and I have undergone an intensive training camp in Riyadh under the supervision of my technical and coaching team to prepare for my fight against Lilia Osmani,” Alsaif said.

“This fight has been my main focus recently, and all my time has been dedicated to it.”

Alsaif has already made quite an impact in a very short period of time, from signing with the PFL to her performances inside the SmartCage. All of it, she says, continues to fuel her fire as she progresses in her career.

“The records I’ve achieved previously, including entering the Guinness World Records for the fastest knockout — defeating my Egyptian opponent in 41 seconds during the PFL event in Riyadh last May — serve as additional motivation to deliver the performance that the audience expects and hopes for in this historic and extraordinary moment,” she said.

The complete fight card is: 

PFL MENA Featherweight Championship: Abdelrahman Alhyasat (5-0) vs. Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-2)

PFL MENA Welterweight Championship: Mohammad Alaqraa (7-0) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (12-6)

Amateur Women’s Atomweight Bout: Hattan Alsaif vs. Lilia Osmani

PFL MENA Bantamweight Championship: Ali Taleb (11-1) vs. Rachid El Hazoume (15-3)

PFL MENA Lightweight Championship: Mohsen Mohammadseifi (6-1) vs. Georges Eid (10-4)

Showcase Fights:

Lightweight MENA Showcase: Mansour Barnaoui (21-6) vs. Alfie Davis (17-4-1)

Heavyweight MENA Showcase: Slim Trabelsi (7-0) vs. Abraham Bably (5-0)

Featherweight Global Showcase: Jesus Pinedo (23-6-1) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-4)

Featherweight Global Showcase: Asael Adjoudj (8-1) vs. Jose Perez (9-1)

Middleweight Global Showcase: Costello van Steenis (15-3) vs. Joao Dantas (7-1)


India five wickets away from big win in 1st test against Australia

Updated 25 November 2024
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India five wickets away from big win in 1st test against Australia

  • Australia struggle at 104-5 at lunch on Day 4 in chase of mammoth 534-run target 
  • India have won only nine Test matches out of a total of 53 on Australian soil 

PERTH: Fast bowler Mohamed Siraj bowled India to the brink of victory in the opening Border-Gavaskar series cricket test with Australia struggling at 104-5 at lunch on the fourth day.
Siraj removed opener Usman Khawaja with his fourth ball Monday and then accounted for star batter Steve Smith to end a frustrating 62-run fifth wicket stand.
Siraj switched ends with fellow fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and forced Smith (17) to edge a low catch behind to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
Siraj took 3-34 while Bumrah, the chief destroyer of Australia in the first innings with 5-30, had 2-26 at the break.
Travis Head was 63 not out and Mitchell Marsh unbeaten on five with the pair to resume after lunch as Australia faces the bleak task of surviving a minimum of 165 overs over five sessions to prevent India from taking a 1-0 series lead.
India is close to winning only its second test match against Australia in Perth in six outings following the 72-run win at the WACA ground in January 2008. It will also be the tourists’ 10th win in 53 tests on Australian soil.
India’s commanding position was set up by majestic centuries from opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and a masterful 100 not out by Virat Kohli as India closed its second innings at 487-6 declared.
This was after an outstanding spell of fast bowling by Bumrah which dismissed Australia for 104 in reply to India’s 150 all out on an eventful first day which saw 17 wickets fall.
Set an impossible 534 runs to win the test on a Perth Stadium surface that is increasingly deteriorating, Australia crashed to 12-3 on the third evening.
The start of day four did not go well for the hosts as Siraj forced Khawaja (4) to top edge for Pant to complete a running catch to reduce Australia to 17-4.
But Smith and Head survived some anxious moments against India’s pace quartet and Head counterattacked his way to a 63-ball half century with six fours. He has faced 72 balls and hit seven fours so far.
Smith, the most experienced batter in the side, put behind his first ball nought in the first innings to play a watchful innings, but was eventually undone by a superb Siraj delivery.


6 things to watch in Match 6 of AFC Champions League Elite

Al-Ahli's Ivan Toney (left) will be looking to get his first AFC Champions League goal against Al-Ain. (SPL)
Updated 24 November 2024
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6 things to watch in Match 6 of AFC Champions League Elite

  • Ivan Toney looks to get off the mark, Al-Hilal face Al-Sadd again, and Al-Nassr aim to stay perfect under Pioli

RIYADH: International duties give way to club commitments as Asia’s best return to their home sides, with another defining week of AFC Champions League action — across both the ACL Elite and ACL Two competitions — on the horizon.

Players from Saudi Arabia and Qatar will be out to make a statement after a disappointing window, while those from the UAE will be buoyed by their improved fortunes on the road to North America for 2026.

As the players disperse across the vast continent, here are the six things to look out for this week.
Al-Sadd and Al-Hilal in a rematch of their epic semifinal

Five years on, people still talk about the remarkable 2019 semifinal between Al-Sadd and Al-Hilal.

Spearheaded by the recently retired Bafetimbi Gomis, Al-Hilal traveled to Doha and put four past Xavi’s Al-Sadd outfit in a dominant 4-1 win, with most observers believing the tie was all but settled as they returned to Riyadh for the second leg.

And after opening the scoring inside 15 minutes to take a commanding 5-1 aggregate lead, the tie looked done. And perhaps Al-Hilal thought so, too, because they conceded three times in three remarkable minutes to turn the game on its head.

What followed was the best of continental football in Asia, with Al-Hilal eventually surviving, despite a late scare and a last-minute free-kick that had everyone holding their breath.

The stakes are not quite as high this time around, but with the sides even stronger than they were back in 2019, even a match half as good would be something special.

Last chance for the defending champions

Just six months ago Al-Ain were the toast of the continent, lifting their second continental title with a dominant display over Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos, thanks largely to the scintillating performances of Moroccan international Soufiane Rahimi.

What a difference a few months can make. Halfway through the League Stage of the recently reformatted tournament, the defending champions are yet to taste victory, and are rooted to the bottom of the 12-team West Zone with just a solitary point to their name.

With only four games remaining, and 12 points left on the table, it is pretty much now or never for Al-Ain. They need to take something from the visit of Al-Ahli to kickstart their campaign.

With ACL-winning coach Hernan Crespo recently relieved of his duties, replaced by serial title winner Leonardo Jardim, who won the ACL with Al-Hilal in 2021, perhaps a new voice and a new message might deliver the turnaround in form needed to keep their title defense alive.

Can Ivan Toney get off the mark in Asia?

Much was expected of English international Ivan Toney after his big-money move to Al-Ahli from Brentford — a switch Matthias Jaissle and the Al-Ahli faithful hoped would turn them into title contenders this season.

But two months in and Toney has failed to fire in Jeddah, at least when it comes to playing in Asia. His return of three goals from eight matches in the league is passable, although they need more if they are to start moving up from their current mid-table position.

While his lack of goals in the AFC Champions League Elite is not affecting them on the pitch so far, with four wins from as many games, including a 5-1 rout of Al-Shorta last time out, Toney will be keen to get off the mark on the continent to keep their good run going.

Against an Al-Ain side that has conceded 15 in just four games, the most of any of the 24 teams in either the West or East zones, this might be just the time to do it.

Al-Nassr look to remain perfect under Pioli

Changing a coach so early into a season is never a good sign, but is done to provide a circuit-breaker to turn around a side’s fortunes.

That was the case for Al-Nassr, whose start to the season included a loss to Al-Hilal in the final of the Super Cup, dropped points against Al Raed and Al Ahli in the league, and only managing a point against Iraqi side Al-Shorta in their opening game of the AFC Champions League Elite.

That saw Luis Castro replaced by Serie A-winning coach Stefano Pioli. It was a brave call, but one that has been justified. A shock loss in the King’s Cup aside, Al-Nassr are yet to taste defeat in either the league or AFC Champions League, going three for three on the continent since his arrival.

After thumping defending champions Al-Ain 5-1 in their most recent outing, they will be looking to maintain their perfect record on the continent under Pioli when they travel to the glorious Al-Bayt Stadium, which two years ago hosted the FIFA World Cup, to take on Al-Gharafa.

UAE champions try to keep pace

It has been a weird old season for defending UAE Pro League champions Al-Wasl.

On one hand, they are undefeated in their last five in all competitions. On the other, they have failed to win in the league since September, and are dangerously close to falling off the pace so early into their title defense.

Their form on the continent has matched their topsy-turvy season overall. They have gone win, loss, win, draw in their first four games, and face a tricky trip to Iraq to face a desperate Al-Shorta in midweek.

Star man Fabio Lima should be absolutely primed after his four-goal haul for the national team in their 5-0 rout of Qatar in World Cup qualifying last week. Can he maintain that form and help Al-Wasl take another step toward the knockout rounds?

Can Korean champions survive the cut?

The other major storyline of Matchday Six comes from the East Zone, where back-to-back Korean champions and two-time ACL winners Ulsan HD are currently the worst-performing team in the competition, with four losses from as many games.

Not only that, they are yet to score a single goal. It is a staggeringly poor return for a club with the pedigree and resources of Ulsan, who have made it out of the group in all but one of their last six campaigns and won the title in 2020.

They face off this week with Chinese champions Shanghai Port, needing to win at least three of their final four to give themselves a chance of progressing. Can they do it?


Workshops mark opening of International Camel Racing Federation general assembly

Updated 24 November 2024
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Workshops mark opening of International Camel Racing Federation general assembly

  • Day opened with workshop on Olympic values — “Excellence, Friendship, Respect”

OLYMPIA, Greece: The fourth General Assembly of the International Camel Racing Federation began on Sunday in Olympia, Greece, with a series of workshops and meetings dedicated to advancing the global development of camel racing.

The day opened with a workshop on Olympic values — “Excellence, Friendship, Respect” — highlighting their role in promoting sportsmanship and international collaboration.

Participants discussed integrating these principles into the federation’s future strategies to enhance the sport's growth.

A second workshop focused on the federation’s global strategy, addressing sustainability and strengthening cooperation among member countries. Delegates examined current challenges and outlined plans to achieve the federation’s goals.

Alongside these workshops, representatives from continental federations in Asia, Africa, and Europe held meetings to address regional issues and improve coordination between member nations.

The assembly, running until Tuesday, will aim to establish strategies that promote camel racing as a cultural and sporting heritage worldwide.