Sport
Combat sports set to make 'dream' Doha debut at Katara Amphitheater
Combat sports is set to make its much-awaited debut in Qatar on Saturday when two WBA Muay Thai titles will be decided alongside a couple of MMZ bouts also lined up.
Two WBC Muai Thai fights are also on the playing roster on Saturday, this was announced by Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani, President of the Qatar Boxing Federation (QBF), at a press conference that also featured the fighters, on Thursday.
Ali Aliev will take on Chip Moraza-Pollard in the Cruiserweight WBC Muay Thai World Title fight while Sajad Sattari is lining up a potential win against Kaonar in the WBC Welterweight Muay Thai Diamond Title bout, Sheikh Fahad said.
In two MMA bouts, Qatar's Ruslan Satiev will take on Bairam Shammadov while Kerimkhan Kerimkhanov will fight against Abdulwahab Mashareqi.
In two WBC Asia Boxing Title fights, Idriss Labidi will lock horns with Rivo Rengkung while Jadalie Medeiros vs Shirin Shabani is also on the list of fighters.
"This is a dream come true for Qatar in combat sports," Sheikh Fahad, Qatar's retired professional boxer, said on Thursday. "It's a great honour to host these fighters. Such an event has been a dream of mine for a long time. Every WBC fighter dreams of winning belts. There are four belts on offer. I am sure fighters will showcase a new era of combat sports in Qatar," Sheikh Fahad said.
Aliev, who is primed to take on Moraza-Pollard, said on Thursday: "It's a dream to have such events in Qatar. It's a unique and prestigious sport. Our vision is to promote combat sports. We want to go teach self-discipline to young fighters. We have great champions here. Before coming here, I had intense training. I am ready."
Moraza-Pollard said: "Ali is one of the best fighters in the world. I am ready for the 5 rounds and put on a good show. I've already had this belt. I lost it. It's an honour to fight for it again."
The Venum Fight 3 roster will be held alongside the eighth edition of the 8th Katara Boxing Championships. The first two days will be dedicated to local boxing, with 65 boxers from three age categories (senior, youth, and junior) representing 15 clubs from Qatar and one team from Lebanon, competing in 10 weight classes.
The final day's action will feature professional combat sports bouts, making the championship a focal point for international combat sports enthusiasts. Sheikh Fahad added that the championship matches will be officiated by eight referees.
"We met a year and a half ago with Mehdi of Venum. It was my dream to have a gladiator feel in Qatar so we chose the Katara Amphitheater as the venue," Sheikh Fahad said.
Sattari said of his bout against Kaonar: "It's a prestigious title. Only 12 or 13 fighters battle for this title. I will do my best."
Ghanem Saleh al-Kuwari, Head of Boxing at the QBF, said participation in the previous seven editions was limited to members of the Qatari national teams and home club fighters.
Al-Kuwari stated that this year's edition will be entirely different as QBF President has enhanced the tournament by introducing international bouts on the final day, featuring world-class professional boxers from various combat sports.
Al-Kuwari pointed out that the Qatari participation on the first two days, between national team members and club boxers, aims to raise their level through competition with players from different clubs and to gain experience. He explained that the Qatari boxers have prepared for this tournament through intensive training camps and by participating in international tournaments.
Al-Kuwari said that QBF looks forward to further developing its tournaments in the future, in line with its ambitious plans to cultivate new generations of Qatari boxers capable of raising the national flag at various major regional and international sporting events.
"My message to boxing fans and combat sports athletes in Qatar is do not miss this opportunity. Please come on Saturday. It is going to be an amazing event. Action starts at 4 o’clock," Sheikh Fahad said. "Free entrance for all," he added.
Venum Fight 3 Matchups
Sajad Sattari vs. Kaonar - Title: WBC Welterweight Muay Thai Diamond Title
Ali Aliev vs. Chip Moraza-Pollard - Title: Cruiserweight WBC Muay Thai World Title
Idriss Labidi vs. Rivo Rengkung - Title: WBC Asia Boxing Title
Jadalie Medeiros vs. Shirin Shabani - Title: WBC Asia Boxing Title
Ruslan Satiev vs. Bairam Shammadov - Category: MMA Bout
Kerimkhan Kerimkhanov vs. Abdulwahab Mashareqi - Category: MMA Bout