By Sports Reporter/Doha
After the mania caused by Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquaio across the Qatari capital, it was time for another explosive day of elite boxing at the world-class Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Arena.
Despite Pacquaio leaving Qatar late last night, the prospect of a swift return to Doha for a comeback bout against challenger Amir Khan was heighted further with Khan landing in Doha yesterday evening. Khan, the current holder of the WBC Silver welterweight title and a former British silver medallist at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, is scheduled to witness the quarter-final rounds of the global showpiece event today.
“Stage by stage the standard and entertainment keeps on increasing and the class of the boxers is really starting to show. This is when we start to see the real World Championship contenders emerge. To see boxing of this skill and quality live in the heart of Doha all within this state-of-the-art facility really is a spectacle to behold. We’re thrilled that so many within the community of Qatar have turned out in force to support the event and join fans from around the world in this celebration of sport,” Yousuf Ali al-Kazim, President of Qatar Boxing Federation, and Executive Director of the signature event in association with Qatar Olympic Committee, said in a statement.
“I’ve no doubt boxing has a very bright future in Qatar and this event will leave a lasting legacy on the future generation. We couldn’t be happier with how things are going especially with stars like Manny Pacquaio attending yesterday and now Amir Khan set to share the championship experience tomorrow (Saturday),” the QBF chief added.
British boxer Amir Khan (second from left) with Qatar Boxing Federation president Yousuf Ali al-Kazim (second from right) after arriving in Doha yeste
