Oman’s boxers crowned at Muscat Fight Night
Muscat Fighting Championships launched Oman’s first ever boxing event at the Crystal Ballroom of the Grand Millennium Hotel Muscat recently.
The hotel ballroom was transformed into a boxing arena buzzing with adrenaline and excitement for the upcoming bouts. The MFC Fight Night showcased nine boxing bouts in different weight categories, including three title fights for the lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight divisions.
The event was sanctioned and commissioned by the World Boxing Council (WBC), the world’s largest boxing federation, and the Middle East Professional Boxing (MEPB) to ensure all protocols were respected.
With a crowd of over 1000 spectators, the venue was packed with all eyes set on the ring to see who would hold Oman’s next titles.
The fight for the lightweight title saw Sajwal Bashir of 3MAC take on Laith al Mahrzi of Oman Kickboxing Club. After a closely contested match, Laith al Mahrzi emerged as the winner by a unanimous decision and claimed the lightweight title.
In the fight for the MFC middleweight title, Reza Hassannia faced Asad Abdulkadir of Fitbox, in which Reza Hassannia prevailed and claimed the title of Oman’s new middleweight champion. In the most anticipated event of the night, Idris Salami from 3MAC, coached by Ali Fajwani in the red corner, and Hatem al Rahbi, coached by Nidhal Aouali, and Khalid al Saaidi from Oman Kickboxing Club in the blue corner, engaged in a fierce battle for the heavyweight championship title.
Each fighter entered the ring ready to unleash powerful blows and scything swings, but in this fight of attrition, Hatem al Rahbi won by a unanimous decision to become Oman’s first heavyweight champion.
He also received a trophy, the WBC gold medal, and the promoter’s MFC belt bearing the heavyweight title.
Both combatants were seen congratulating one another on a superb battle. Coach Ali Fajwani when asked about the fight and preparation said, “It was a good fight. We made a concerted effort to prepare Idris for the fight by pushing him hard and speeding up his training, but regrettably we fell short that night. Idris put forth a valiant effort during the fight but ultimately lost.
“Hatem put on an impressive performance, moving forward for the majority of the rounds and landing more accurate blows than Idris, giving him the victory. Hopefully, for the next MFC we will be better prepared.”
Coach Khalid al Saaidi, asserted that despite the difficult fight against a skilled opponent like Idris, Hatem’s tenacity and efforts shone in the ring and he emerged victorious, thanks to his successful strategy.
His ability to remain calm under pressure and change his strategy in response to his opponent’s movements was a clear indication of his fighting prowess. This victory will undoubtedly serve as a stepping stone for Hatem's future success in the amateur boxing world.
The inaugural MFC Fight Night event was undoubtedly the most exciting and well received event to date, handled by a team of dedicated volunteers with a common goal of promoting martial arts in the sultanate. The core team includes president Baqar Haider; vice-president Fayyad Samarah and vice-president Operations Hanna Hiridjee.
When Hanna was asked on her thoughts about the event, which was powered by Sisu Fitness and Bally YLT, she responded that the event was a success and that they are already swamped with requests for the next one.
According to Jose Mohan, head of the Middle East Boxing
Commission, “The event was extremely well organised and delivered excitement and passion from the crowd”. He also affirmed the MEPB’S support for the development of boxing in Oman, saying ‘On behalf of the MEPB, we are thrilled to express our support for the growth of the sport of boxing in the country of Oman’.
According to the coaches present, the event was a great opportunity for the young boxers to gain exposure and experience in the sport, as well as to network with other fighters and coaches. Fighters from gyms across the country like 3 MAC, Fitbox, Master Academy, Muscat Boxing Club, Muscat Fight Club, Muscat MMA, Oman Boxing Club, Oman Kickboxing Club, Rolling Gym, Saham Blue Sharks, Scorpion Nest, Sohar Boxing Club, Tmrn Gym, TS Gym, UFC Gym, Wawan Gym, Zebra Club, participated in the event.
The organisers of the event ensured that the medical and safety aspects of the game were given top priority, a team of medical professionals from Apollo Hospitals, a ringside doctor and professional MEPB referees were present at all times to oversee the fighters and the game.
This helped to minimise any probable risks associated with boxing, and ensure the safety of all the fighters throughout the event with strict rules, and pre/post fight medicals.
“Being a part of MFC and managing the medical welfare for the event was a great opportunity. Our medical team was equipped with all the medical training necessary to ensure the fighter’s safety before and after the fight,” said Sunil Kumar K from Apollo Hospitals.