Dubai: Big-time boxing makes a long-awaited return to Dubai in the form of a world championship event called 'Destiny in the Desert.'
The event is scheduled to be held at a purpose-built boxing arena at the Dubai World Trade Centre's Shaikh Rashid Hall on March 24.
Among the protagonists will be professional heavyweight fighters Kevin Montiy and T.J. Wilson, from the US, Ethiopian light heavyweight Sammy Retta and up-and-coming Emirati fighter Eisa Aldah.
The event is being promoted by Jesse Robinson, a long-time associate of legendary American boxing promoter Don King.
Announcing the championship Robinson said: "I want to do it the old-fashioned way. I want a real fight. I work for the fans. I want to give them something that they will remember forever and come back for all my shows."
Robin made special mention of Dubai-based amateur boxer Aldah, who boxes in the junior welterweight division.
"This will be Eisa's professional debut," he said.
"I see a great future for him and my aim is to take him to the top."
The promoter also felt that Dubai had the potential to become a major boxing venue, as it has all the requirements to stage big fights.
In 1997 former world boxing champion Chris Eubank staged his first Middle East bout on centre court at the Dubai Tennis Stadium where he defeated Colombian Camilio Hernando Alarcon in the fourth round of their light-heavyweight contest.
