‘So proud’: Al-Maayouf leads Saudi boxing success at The Comeback in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Three young Saudi boxers gave the home crowd plenty to celebrate before the international stars stepped into the ring at Jeddah Dome on Saturday night at “The Comeback.”

Sultan Mohammed, Mohammed Alakel and Ziad Al-Maayouf all emerged victorious in the opening bouts, a clean sweep that highlighted the Kingdom’s growing talent in professional boxing.

It set the tone for an action-packed evening that concluded with the UK’s Anthony Joshua winning his comeback fight by knocking out Kristian Prenga of Albania.

Featherweight prospect Sultan “El Nino” Mohammed opened the Saudi charge with an assured performance, earning a decisive victory over Spain’s Efren Besalduch to extend his perfect professional record to 5-0. Fighting with composure and confidence, Mohammed dictated the pace throughout the contest to claim a convincing win in third round TKO.

Alakel, nicknamed “Mighty,” continued the Saudi success by overcoming Mexican Einar Martinez with a polished display to maintain his unbeaten record (9-0). The Saudi boxer used sharp combinations and disciplined movement to secure victory with a KO after two minutes of Round 5.

The spotlight then turned to Ziad Al-Maayouf, Saudi Arabia’s most established professional boxer. Roared on by an enthusiastic home crowd, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Frank Mango after another composed and disciplined performance to take his career record to seven wins and one loss. The arena erupted in celebration as his hand was raised.

Speaking to Arab News afterwards, Al-Maayouf said: “I am so proud to win for my country and to those who cheered for me tonight. This is a great moment for me and I hope to keep my momentum for the next fights.

“My training in the