Gulf’s Rising Talent Ignites Dilmun Ring

Open-air boxing returns ahead of Asian Youth Games

The GCC Open Air Boxing Event returned to the Dilmun Club on Saturday night, featuring nearly 30 fights. Boxers from Bahrain and across the Gulf competed in youth, junior, and elite divisions, with decisions and knockouts highlighting the night.

Approximately 160 participants entered, marking a record for the GCC Open Air programme and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a focal point for regional amateur boxing.  

Davis on Progress

Bahrain’s head coach, Tony Davis, told the Daily Tribune the event was “fantastic” and the closest realization of his Gulf Golden Gloves concept. Bahrain’s role as host allows young fighters vital experience ahead of the Asian Youth Games later this month. “We’ve got Qatar’s national team here, boxers from the UAE, and our youth using this as preparation,” Davis said.

Reflecting on six years as coach, Davis noted Bahrain’s transformation: “When I arrived, there wasn’t much structure. With guidance from His Highness Shaikh Khalid, we’ve built something sustainable. It’s unrecognizable from where it began.”

Results Round-Up

The night opened with Mohammed Sohaib (Red F Boxing Club, Bahrain) claiming a unanimous decision over Turki Hussain Al Ihsan (AlQadsia Club, Saudi Arabia). Abdulrahman Mukhlej (Aldoy, Bahrain) followed with a points victory against Rayan AlTayyar (Kickoff, Saudi Arabia), while Morgan Barr (Britain Boxing Club, Dubai) forced a referee stoppage against Fahad Al Doseri (Qatar National Team) in the junior 63kg division.

Home fighters impressed throughout. James Inghan (BBF – Bahrain Boxing Federation) edged Saleem Al Jreemi (UFC Bahrain), and Muath Bin Ahmed Al Doseri (Qhot Gym, Saudi Arabia) narrowly defeated Said Abraham Younis (Qhot Gym, Bahrain) via split decision. Max Finch (DKR Boxing Club, Dubai) scored a knockout over Issa Hussain (Spartan Gym, Bahrain), while Ziyad Arnolov (Hashtag Gym, UAE) dominated with a unanimous points win.

In the women’s 57kg elite division, Sara Alqasser (Alqadsiya Club, Saudi Arabia) earned a unanimous decision over Suha Alsaud (Muhammad Alifar Gym, Bahrain), and Rawan Abdulrahman (UFC Bahrain) recorded a stoppage victory over Zoe Ella (Alqadsiya Club, Saudi Arabia). Youth categories also shone, with Mohamad Mehdi Sahak (Bahrain National Team) defeating Mohamed Jifry (Qatar National Team) and Salman Rafique (Al Hussan School, Bahrain) overcoming Ali Hussain (Bahrain) at 38kg.

First-time competitive bouts added excitement. Selene Bastaki (Round One Boxing, Bahrain) defeated Layla Al Ali in the girls’ 60kg category, and Noah Iyer (Round One Boxing, Bahrain) beat Dawood Alshammari (Saudi Arabia) in the boys’ 60kg division.

Other highlights included Mohammed Attia (Bahrain Boxing Federation), earning Best Fighter of the Night for a polished win over Ali Halaik (Spartans, Dubai), and George Fletcher (On Boxing Club, UK) closing the night with a clear unanimous decision over Abraham Alyad (Bahrain).

Post-Fight Reflections

At the programme’s conclusion, Davis thanked visiting teams and local clubs. He also announced, as reported by TDT last week, that he will step down after Bahrain’s upcoming commitments, ending six years as national coach.

“It’s seeing the kids come out, the look on their faces — that’s what gets us in the gym every morning. You give them discipline, structure, and when they step in here, you see it all come together,” he said.

He acknowledged Bahrain’s growth: “97 years ago, there was no boxing here. Look at it now.” The event now sets the stage for Bahrain’s athletes, including Abdulrahman Mudahki and Mohammed Attia, as they prepare for the third Asian Youth Games, featuring over 4,300 athletes from 45 National Olympic Committees across Asia.