Rasha Al-Khamis seeks to raise a generation of female boxers in the Arab world

For Rasha Al-Khamis, one word sums up last weekend’s “Rage on the Red Sea” boxing bout in Jeddah: Legendary.

This is not merely hyperbole for the vice president of the Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation.

“It tells you that the future hub for boxing is in Saudi Arabia,” Al-Khamis said. “The impact of ‘Rage on the Red Sea’ is massive and tangible, as it will inspire many generations to pick up boxing as one of the most preferred sports to practice.”

While the main event, which saw Oleksandr Usyk retain his heavyweight title belt against Anthony Joshua, drew most of the world’s attention on the night, another bout was arguably as important for Al-Khamis.

“It was indeed delightful to watch the first-ever women’s pro boxing fight taking place in Saudi Arabia,” she said of British Somali fighter Ramla Ali’s win over Crystal Garcia Nova of the Dominican Republic.

“I’m sure that this legendary fight will create a tangible impact on the boxing ecosystem.” 

Sport has long been life’s calling for Al-Khamis.

Born and raised in Riyadh, she was fortunate to grow up in a family that valued sports and healthy lifestyles.

“I was never treated differently from my brother,” said Al-Khamis.

Childhood activities included playing football with her cousins on the family farm and shooting hoops in her backyard.

After graduating from King Saud University, Al-Khamis moved to the US to continue her graduate studies, and expand her educational and cultural horizons. It was while she was at the University of Southern California that she took up boxing to get active and meet new people.

From the moment she laced her first pair of gloves, Al-Khamis fell in love with the sport.

She competed locally in California many times, each time diving