Royal Rumble IV will be the best to date, says Tony Davis
TDT | Manama
Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com
The Royal Rumble has never been shy on spectacle, but this year’s edition might just raise the bar. Tony Davis, Bahrain Boxing Federation head coach, technical manager, and architect of the event, is convinced Royal Rumble IV will be the most ambitious to date.
“So this one will be the best to date,” Davis told TDT. “We will have five former world champions there amongst the crowd, who will assist in delivering the weigh-in on the 26th of November at the British Embassy, whereby HMA Alistair Long has kindly agreed to host it. Two of the former world champions are DAZN commentators, so they will interview both teams, interact with the crowd, and then commentate live on the fights. We will also have Amal Al Anbury performing at both the weigh-in and fight night.”
The black-tie affair will unfold on November 27 at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain, under the patronage of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Stars in the Stands
The Royal Guard won’t lean solely on the crowd’s energy; the atmosphere around the ring will add to their focus. The ring will be surrounded by star power, with former world champions Amir Khan and Rocky Fielding among the guests, alongside Lawrence Okolie, Darren Barker, and Barry Jones. Their role won’t be ceremonial either.
“Having the presence of such icons is really important,” Davis explained. “Amir and Darren were former teammates of mine while trying to qualify for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Lawrence visits Bahrain regularly and has participated in our domestic events, even doing padwork during Dilmun competitions. What I normally do is take them round the schools for a visit the day before the event to inspire the youth of Bahrain. The schools host practical elements and Q&As for the kids and staff, and this time we may even bring both teams along.”
Royal Rumble IV goes beyond publicity, evidently designed to grow Bahrain’s boxing culture.
A Streak to Defend
The Royal Guard’s record in the Rumble is immaculate. In 2022, they steamrolled the British Army’s Fusiliers, taking eight of nine bouts. In 2023, they dispatched the Parachute Regiment, and last year they dominated the Royal Engineers again with six wins in eight contests.
Davis doesn’t chalk it up to luck. “I personally feel it’s my philosophy and how I deliver it to the team of boxers. Preparation is another key aspect, and of course I wouldn’t be able to do this without my assistant coach Fathi Missaoui, a 1996 Olympic bronze medallist. The opposition in the previous events was never easy. The Fusiliers were a former regiment of mine I wanted to give something back to. The Parachute Regiment was formidable, and the Royal Engineers have a diverse and experienced group, drawing from all engineer units.”
He added, “This, though, ultimately is the biggest test of all. Although we beat the British Army on their home soil last year, this time they will be supported by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. This will be the sternest test to date.”
Fighting for More The Rumble has always been about more than fists and footwork. Last year, BD60,000 was raised for the Royal Humanitarian Foundation. This year promises another windfall for charity, with added entertainment too.
Bahraini boxing fans can expect a more refined spectacle than ever. For Davis, the event carries extra weight as he once coached the very UK Armed Forces team now coming to challenge his Royal Guard. The stakes, therefore, are as personal as they are professional.
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