Abu Dhabi’s first-ever professional boxing event, Thursday Night Fights @ Yas Island is finally set to go ahead this evening with an appetising fight card that promises to appeal to both regional and international boxing fans. and that is headed by the renowned Danny Williams, who has vowed to retire if he loses tonight.
Aged 40 and close to hanging up his gloves following a string of recent defeats – albeit as part of what has generally been an illustrious career most known for a seminal knockout win over former undisputed champion of the world, Mike Tyson – all eyes at the 5,000-capacity du Forum will be on the UK’s Williams as he squares off with Egypt’s Mazur Ali (10-8) weighing in at 196lbs to Danny’s heavier 267lbs.
The two-times British heavyweight champion (most title defences), two-times Commonwealth heavyweight champion (also most title defences), WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight champion, and WBU champion, however, turned up at the presser in great shape.
Despite the end of his time in the ring looming ahead, Williams is unfazed by what comes next, still confident of his chances, and especially delighted that he is fighting potentially his last fight in a Muslim country having converted to Islam eight years ago.
“I know my career’s over, I only fight basically to keep my kids in private school and this could well be my last fight. But I feel good, look at me, I’m fit. I’m hoping for a nice quick victory,” said Williams, who it was hinted may play a role with event promoters Lion Heart Boxing Promotions post-retirement.
Mazur, on his part, is looking forward to the meet.
“I’m hoping to win, Insha’allah,” he said.
Wherever this fight takes him, boxing fans are sure to remember the night for its diverse and cracking line-up, which features fighters from 10 countries, including the UAE, thanks to Emirati Ahmed Al Ali making his debut, who knows the pressure is on him to do his country proud.
The other highlight fight is what has been labelled a grudge match between 2012 UAE Fighter of the Year, Dubai-based Iranian Mohammad Ali Bayat (3-0) and his nemesis Abdul Kabbani of Syria – who believes the judging decision in their last fight, in which he lost, was “garbage”.
While Kabbani is raring to go, spurred on by revenge, Bayat insists there is no bad blood between them.
He told media: “I have respect for Kabbani, I have no comments about the fight – everything that needs to be said will be said in the ring. I’m really just happy that I’m fighting alongside fighters like Danny Williams.”
We agree with top executive, Lion Heart Promotions Edward Mendy, who said: “This is a fight fan’s card. It’s going to be very exciting.”
So you better be there to witness the action.
WHAT: Thursday Night Fights @ Yas Island Edition 1
WHEN: This Thursday, December 19; doors open 19:00, first fight starts 20:00
WHERE: du Forum, Yas Island Abu Dhabi
COST: Tickets are starting at Dh150 and available at www.ticketmaster.ae
Sport360° VERDICT: With some world class boxers ready to fight it out for the top honours, it’s an excellent opportunity for fans in the UAE to show their support to the game and enjoy some intense action.
CONTACT & INFO: www.yasislandfights.com / Facebook: Yas Island Fights / Twitter: @YasIslandFights
