Dubai: Destiny in the Desert - a first of its kind world championship boxing - promises to be the start of many such events in the future.
The world championship boxing with a card consisting of four fights was announced yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The highlight of the night is the heavyweight category fight between TJ Wilson and Marcus McGee, while Eli Dixon and Kevin Montiy will square off over 10 rounds in the second heavyweight fight.
In the lightweight category, Ethiopian Sammy Retta with an 18-2 record that includes 17 knock-outs, will take on Carl Handy.
But the highlight of the evening will be when the UAE's Eisa Aldah makes his professional debut against Orlando-based Larry Foster.
"There will be many more like these bouts in the near future," promised Jessie Robinson, President of Jessie Robinson Sports Services. "This is just the kick-off as we plan many more exciting boxing events in Dubai," he added.
The first of such events was also announced. Termed 'Global Impact World Championship Boxing', the next fight card will be on June 16.
"We want to organise such events for a cause, and the global impact event will be leading the campaign for relief to all world natural disasters," Robinson declared.
Turning to Saturday night's fight card, the promoter stated that it has been a testing time to put the championship together. "This is history for the country. We have an outstanding fight card and we want young Eisa to show us the way," Robinson stated.
At 5pm today will be the weigh-in and medical checks for the eight boxers.
"We are all set to stage the first-ever professional fight card in the UAE," noted Eric Gottschalk, general manager of Delwood Sports Promotions.
Tickets have been selling fast, and organisers will still have sale of tickets for spectators at the venue from 12 noon today and tomorrow.
The four fights will be televised live by Dubai Sports Channel starting at 7.30pm.
The event has the backing of Damas Jewellery, Arabian Park Hotel, City Star, Al Zajel Exhibition Organisers, Dubai Fight Academy, Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and the Dubai Sports Council.
