Dubai: Boxer Adnan Akilles was belatedly celebrating his 24th birthday Friday, admitting he put partying on hold to focus on a major bout in Dubai on Friday night.
The Baghdad-born Kurd beat his Iranian opponent Medhi Ramezani on a split decision in a Super Welterweight Middle East title eliminator at the World Trade Centre.
The Iraqi boxer, who now calls Sweden his home, left little to doubt that he is ready to walk the long road towards international glory, with the IBA Middle East title beckoning him next.
He and Ramezani had clashed for the first time in February, with their fight ending in a draw.
“The last time we drew and the feeling was not good for both of us, so I put my birthday celebrations on hold to focus on the fight. But this time both of us were better prepared and what we delivered was an improved showing in the ring,” Akilles told Gulf News.
“He was on the lookout for one knockout punch and I was willing to play in and out with him and wait for my moment to arrive. I think it was my movement that kept me in and gave me this victory,” he added.
Kerry Bennett was another solid winner at the event on Frdat after the English fighter triumphed in the four-way women’s Thai Boxing tournament. Bennett defeated Magali Foroni in the first semi-final, while Milena Martinou accounted for Judith Levi in the second semi.
In an entertaining finale, Bennett made her move in the third and final round as she used her knees and elbows to maximum effect to land the crown.
Reigning WPBF world champion Mikaela ‘Diamond Destiny’ Lauren of Sweden, who has adopted Dubai as her new home, earned the right to compete for the IBA World Title with a second-round knockout of Pimnipa Tanawatpipat, a 17-year-old challenger from Thailand.
“She turned out to be much better than I expected. But now that it is over I am relieved and I can’t wait to lay my hands on the IBA belt,” Lauren enthused.
Organised and presented by EMD Sports and Golden Cage through a joint cooperation between the UAE’s lone pro boxer Eisa Al Dah and former five-time world champion Amir ‘Prince’ Shafiypour, the boxing championship was staged under the auspices of the Dubai Sports Council.
