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Daily Tribune
16-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
From Al Ain to April: Bahrain's Boxing Rise Begins with Davis
Bahrain's boxing team is steadily carving a path forward, with their next proving ground set for April 18 at the Kingdom's fourth outdoor licensed event. Fresh off a plucky performance at the Al Ain Ramadan Boxing Championship—where Ali Khaled Bakhlaf clinched gold—the squad is poised to take the ring on home soil. This event isn't about flash; it's a chance for Bahrain to keep pushing forward in the regional boxing scene. Tony Davis Lifts the Lid Speaking exclusively to The Daily Tribune, Bahrain coach Tony Davis peeled back the layers on Al Ain and the journey ahead. 'We sent three fighters over—logistics cut our roster in half, but they were ready for the challenge,' he said, setting the scene. 'Some of our boxers went with the club instead of the national team, which is a pity, but that's a story for another day.' Breaking down the bouts, Davis recalled, 'Young Fahad faced a Russian kid boxing for an Emirati club—went the distance but dropped a tight split decision. Then there's his brother Abdullah, who took down the most experienced Emirati at 71 kilos. I've watched that guy, a soldier, compete at World Championships, Asian Games, and Asian Championships. Abdullah scored a knockdown too—not even his usual weight; he's a 67-kilo fighter, but Al Ain's categories forced the shift.' Ahmed's story took a twist: 'He was cruising through two rounds, then sickness hit hard—he was vomiting in the corner, and the ref had to call it.' Davis isn't lingering on setbacks; he's already plotting the next move. 'I'm drafting a request now for a European tournament with the full team. It's all about stacking up international rounds.' His words carry the weight of a man who sees the bigger picture, steering a program with untapped potential. Steady Gains in Al Ain The Al Ain Ramadan Boxing Championship closed out March 11 at the Al Ain Club sports hall in the UAE, with 122 fighters from six nations slugging it out. Ali Khaled Bakhlaf emerged as Bahrain's beacon, claiming the 63.5kg elite men's title. Against Anatoli Gregoryan, he showed crisp footwork and pinpoint punches, locking in gold and turning heads. The rest of the lineup—Fahad Saleh Abdullah (60kg elite), Abdullah Saleh Alabdullah (71kg elite), Rasheed Wahid Ali (80kg elite), and youth prospect Ahmed Hany Attia (60kg)—held their own. Al Ain Club walked away with the overall title, but Bahrain's haul signaled a team on the rise. Davis' take—'They were prepared adequately enough'—highlighted a squad that punched above its weight, even shorthanded. April 18 Takes Shape The April 18 event—Bahrain's seventh domestic outing and fifth at the Dilmun Club—is shaping up to be huge for local Boxing. It's pulling in fighters from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the Emirates, alongside a crowd blending locals and expats. Davis painted a vivid picture: 'This is our seventh event in the domestic series, fifth at Dilmun—the other two were at a table tennis hall by the national stadium and a school in Rifa. It's a strong setup, one of Dilmun's bigger nights.' He sees its broader impact: 'What's great is we can stage these without straining state finances. It's an avenue that's turned into one of the club's most popular draws.' Ambition runs high—'We're aiming for this to be one of our best yet,' he said. 'We've had former world champs in that ring working pads, showing their stuff, even if the crowd didn't always clock who they were.' Davis is hands-on: 'Locals register, and I pair them up by the book—some don't get it, but I make sure no one's getting hurt. It's a sport, not a brawl.' The event's reach is widening—'Boxers from Saudi, Kuwait, and the Emirates are taking part', and it's a community affair too: 'Expats and locals mix, bring their kids—there's plenty for them to do. Might even spark a future fighter or two. It's about preparation and bringing people together.' This isn't just a fight card; it's a foundation being laid. Step by Step Forward Bahrain's boxing program is finding its rhythm. Bakhlaf's precision win and Abdullah's upset in Al Ain—against a seasoned pro, no less—hint at a squad with real promise. The April 18 event is the next marker—nothing overblown, just a chance to sharpen their craft. Davis guides with a steady hand, balancing safety and growth, while eyeing Europe to broaden their horizons. Interest is brewing across the Gulf, and with every carefully matched bout, Bahrain edges closer to something lasting. This is a team building its story, round by round.
Daily Tribune
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini Boxers Impress at Al Ain Ramadan Championship
A Golden Night for Bahrain The Al Ain Ramadan Boxing Championship drew to a close on March 11 with Bahrain's pugilists etching their names into the event's history. Staged in the sports hall of Al Ain Club, UAE, under the esteemed patronage of Sheikh Dr. Saeed Bin Tahnoun Bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, the tournament welcomed 122 athletes from six nations. Leading Bahrain's charge was Ali Khaled Bakhlaf of JD Bahrain Club, who clinched gold in the 63.5kg elite men's division with a ruthless performance against Anatoli Gregoryan. For a nation steadily building its boxing credentials, this win highlighted Bahrain's growing influence in the sport. Bakhlaf's Mastery and Bahrain's Contingent Ali Khaled Bakhlaf's victory was a study in ring generalship. Facing Gregoryan, he showed impeccable timing and footwork, weaving through his opponent's defences to land precise, punishing blows. His gold in the 63.5kg category capped a standout tournament for Bahrain, whose delegation departed the Kingdom on March 9 with high hopes. Alongside Bakhlaf, the team—coached by Fethi Missaoui and Mohamed Naseem—included Fahad Saleh Abdullah (60kg elite), Abdullah Saleh Alabdullah (71kg elite), Rasheed Wahid Ali (80kg elite), and youth fighter Ahmed Hany Attia (60kg). While Bakhlaf's podium finish stole the headlines, the collective effort of this squad, representing Bahrain against elite and youth competition from Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, and the UAE, spoke volumes of their preparation and ambition. Al Ain impress on home turf Al Ain Club emerged as the overall champions, hoisting the trophy after three days of fierce exchanges, with Rocky Road Boxing Club Dubai and Fujairah Martial Arts Club securing second and third places respectively. Organised by the Al Ain Ramadan Tournament Organizing Committee in partnership with the UAE Boxing Federation, the event featured 17 local clubs, six GCC teams, and Iranian contenders. Notable performances included Yousri Rizq's dominant +92kg win and Lin Tarek Al Sheikh's captivating 54kg women's victory, both adding depth to a competition that showcased the region's finest. Yet, Bahrain's golden moment through Bakhlaf provided a poignant highlight, amplifying the Kingdom's presence on the regional stage. Next stop: Bahrain's Open-Air Spectacle With the Al Ain success still resonating, attention now turns to April 18, when Bahrain will host its fourth outdoor licensed boxing event. This open-air showcase promises to elevate the Kingdom's boxing profile further, offering a platform for talents like Bakhlaf and his teammates to dazzle under the stars. Following the intensity of the Ramadan Championship—where every punch carried the weight of national pride—this forthcoming event is poised to draw a fervent crowd. For Bahrain's boxing fraternity, it's a chance to build on their momentum, blending skill and spectacle in a setting that's becoming a cherished tradition.
