“Our fighters belong on this stage,” says Tony Davis

Bahrain’s boxers primed for Royal Rumble IV

With Bahrain’s biggest charity fight night just weeks away, excitement is building for Royal Rumble IV, set for November 27 at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain. The black-tie spectacle will see Bahrain’s Royal Guard square off against the UK Armed Forces, with proceeds once again going to the Royal Humanitarian Foundation.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Bahrain national boxing coach Tony Davis reflected on the team’s preparations following their recent appearance in England’s International Boxing Night. Although Bahrain’s fighters won two of six bouts, Davis viewed the event as another step in the kingdom’s growing boxing journey.

“It’s always a tough gig,” Davis admitted. “Three years ago, we were soundly beaten. But to see how far we’ve come, to the point where we’re pushing them close in almost every fight, shows just how much Bahrain has developed. For a small island, we’re producing genuinely competitive, high-quality boxers.”

The Geordie coach, who once managed the British Army team, said Bahrain’s progress was all the more impressive given the professional setup their opponents enjoy. “They’ve got full-time programmes, strength and conditioning coaches, nutritionists—the works,” he said. “To be able to go toe-to-toe with that kind of infrastructure speaks volumes about our lads.”

Davis, who also served as competition manager at the Asian Youth Games this year, admitted that balancing commitments had made preparation more challenging. “Maybe we weren’t able to train as intensively as in previous years, but I’m proud of every one of them,” he said.

Looking ahead to Royal Rumble IV, Davis expects another fiercely contested night. “We’re in the deep end again against the UK Armed Forces,” he said. “But it’ll be a fantastic event, no doubt about that.”