Boxing bodies seek to boost fighting art in the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s national boxing umbrella body and several local organizations held a two-day exhibition at Salt Gym in Riyadh over the weekend to help promote the sport in the country.

Organized by the gym and TKO Fighters, and supported by the Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation, it included participants from 12 nations across the world.

The athletes were from Saudi Arabia, Germany, Australia, India, Nigeria, Sudan, and France. There are now plans to hold a similar event later this year.

“Boxing has been growing tremendously in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Boxing Federation has been going through a major transformation to adopt the fast-growing ecosystem by paving the way for future athletes,” said Rasha Al-Khamis, the vice president of the organization, and board member of the Asian Boxing Federation.

“I believe when the federation and private gyms join forces, that’s where you can see miracles happen. I’m pleased to see the private gyms are playing a key role in the Saudi boxing ecosystem and honing the athletes’ skills to start fighting at regional and international level.”

In particular, Al-Khamis praised the efforts of coach Lee Starks of TKO Fighters and their collaborative efforts with Salt Gym.

Starks told Arab News that the objective of the exhibition was to foster relationships and build the infrastructure of boxing, with an eye to create local world-class fighters.

“I am incredibly optimistic that soon the world will see Saudi female boxers and male boxers competing for a title belt,” he said.

“There’s so much talent with potential and I feel blessed to offer my expertise in fostering relationships and building the infrastructure of boxing,” said Starks. “The development of long-term friendships and