ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (March 3, 2024) – Arab boxing power was on display today as Moroccan super featherweight Jaouad “The Moroccan Bomber” Belmehdi (20-1-3, 9 KOs) defeated previously undefeated Ghanian Alfred Lamptey (13-1, 9 KOs) in the main event of the third edition of “Rising Stars Arabia,” which showcases rapidly developing Arab boxers on a worldwide platform.

The Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) series, the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is sanctioned by the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission.

“Rising Stars Arabia 3” was streamed live on DAZN and ESPN Knockout, outdoors from the picturesque Yas Links Golf Course in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

In a wonderfully matched, entertaining main event, 25-year-old Belmehdi, a former French Lightweight Champion, won his fourth fight in a row by way of a 10-round split decision (96-94, 96-94, 93-97) in a back-and-forth, legitimate Fight of the Year candidate. Belmehdi defeated Lamptey, 21, a former World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Silver, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Youth and Ghana super featherweight champion.

Hometown Hero Al Bloushi Extends His Win Streak in Co-Main Event

In the co-main event, hometown favorite Fahad “Kid Emirati” Al Bloushi (14-1, 3 KOs) – the most experienced United Arab Emirates (UAE) pro boxer of all-time – extended his win streak to 13, taking a hard-fought eight-round decision over Venezuelan lightweight Andres Garcia (14-8-1, 11 KOs).

Another terrific UAE prospect, super flyweight Sultan Al Nuaimi (11-0, 7 KOs) stopped Venezuelan Eliu Canario (14-4, 11 KOs) in the fifth round in another spectacular performance in front of enthused local boxing fans.

Iraq’s light heavyweight prospect Amer Kadhum Ghaneem (3-0-1, 1 KO) suffered the first blemish on his pro record, fighting Russian Kharon Zapolsky (3-1-1, 1 KO) to a six-round majority draw.

Ugandan welterweight Isaac Zebra, Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) knocked out Ahmed Saad (4-3, 1 KO) in the opening round of their scheduled six-round bout.

Undefeated Indian welterweight Faizan Anwar (17-0, 9 KOs) registered a somewhat surprising opening-round knockout of former Egyptian Super Welterweight Champion Abdumonem “Braveheart” Saad (23-4-1, 11 KOs).

Egyptian cruiserweight Youssef Karrar (4-0, 3 KOs) recorded a third-round technical knockout over late replacement Yusuf Kizito (0-1), of Uganda, while Egyptian featherweight Mostafa Mohammed Fahmi Komsan (2-0, 1 KO) edged Guan Mu (1-3-1, 0 KOs), of China, by way of a six-round majority decision.

Also fighting on the undercard, Morocco welterweight Anas Hafiane improved to 3-0 with his second knockout, blasting out overmatched  Sajan Greece Makesh Daisy (0-3), of India, in round one, and previously undefeated United Arab Emirates super middleweight Fahad Alkhoori (3-1, 3 KOs) was upset by Ariemba Isalah Odhiambo (2-4, 0 KOs), of Kenya, who took a four-round majority decision

In the opener, pro-debuting Syrian heavyweight Kenan Marai (1-0, 1 KO) knocked out the Congo’s Eureka Mwamba Kabeya (0-2) at the end of the first round

“Rising Stars Arabia 3” was promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and hosted in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

AAM Seddiqi Sports has been promoting and managing fighters in the region for 10 years and it has a growing stable of more than 30 gifted regional and global talents. Its events include five world title shows that have been broadcasted globally on ESPN, Sky Sports, and other major networks.

Complete results below:

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OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS

Jaouad Belmehdi (20-1-3, 9 KOs), Morocco

WDEC10 (96-94, 96-94, 93-97)

Alfred Lamptey (13-1, 9 KOs), Ghana

CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS

Fahad Al Bloushi (14-1, 3 KOs), United Arab Emirates

WDEC8 (78-76, 78-76, 77-75)

Andres Garcia (14-8-1, 11 KOs), Venezuela

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Kenan Marai (1-0,1 KO), Syria

WTKO1 (3 :00)

Eureka Mwamba Kabeya (0-2), Congo

CRUISERWEIGHTS

Youssef Karrar (3-0, 2 KOs), Egypt

WTKO3 (1:55)

Yusuf Kizito (0-1), Uganda

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Amer Kadhum Ghaneem (3-0-1, 1 KO), Iraq

D6 (58-56, 57-57-, 57-57)

Kharon Zapolsky (3-1-1, 1 KO), Russia

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Ariemba Odhiambo (2-4 (0 KOs)

WDEC4

Fahad Alkhoori (3-1, 3 KOs), United Arab Emirates

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS

Isaac Zebra, Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs), Uganda

WTKO1 (2:34)

Ahmed Saad (4-3, 1 KO), Egypt

WELTERWEIGHTS

Faizan Anwar (17-0, 9 KOs), India

WTKO1 (2:34)

Abdumonem Said (23-4-1, 11 KOs), Egypt

Anas Hafiane (3-0, 2 KOs), Morocco

WTKO1 (0:37)

Sajan Greece Makesh Daisy (0-3), India

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Mostafa Mohammed Fahmi Komsan (1-1, 1 KO), Egypt

WDEC4

Guanlin Mu (1-3-1, 0 KOs), China

SUPER FLYWEIGHTS

Sultan Al Nuami (11-0, 7 KOs), United Arab Emirates

WKO5 (1:46)

Eliu Canario (14-4, 11 KOs), Venezuela

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#InAbuDhabi 

#RisingStarsArabia3

-END-

About Rising Stars Arabia

Presenting Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) – A fighting series promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and powered by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This marks a notable series within the UAE and the wider MENA region. This platform, humble in its intentions yet ambitious in its scope, provides aspiring Arab athletes with a unique opportunity to showcase their talents before regional and international audiences.

This significant initiative, grounded in the values of nurturing homegrown and regional talent, represents an important leap towards evolving professional boxing within the region. By doing so, it empowers an emerging generation of athletes with genuine opportunities right at their doorstep – eliminating the need to seek participation abroad.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture, creative and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage, and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.

 

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (February 26, 2024) – Moroccan super featherweight Jaouad “The Moroccan Bomber” Belmehdi (19-1-3, 9 KOs) embodies the spirit of the innovative “Rising Stars Arabia” pro boxing series, which showcases rapidly developing Arab boxers on a worldwide platform, veterans and prospects alike.

Belmehdi takes on undefeated Alfred Lamptey (13-0, 9 KOs), of Ghana, in the 10-round main event this Saturday (March 2) on the third installment of “Rising Stars Arabia,” under the stars at beautiful Yas Links Golf Course in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

“Rising Stars Arabia 3” will be streamed live on DAZN and ESPN Knockout, as well as broadcast on Abu Dhabi Sports TV, starting at 8 p.m. UAEST.

Belmehdi is a former French Lightweight Champion who has won his last three fights, after suffering the only loss of his pro career 1 ½ years ago to Gary Culley (14-0) at Wembley Arena in the United Kingdom. riding a three-fight win streak. His most notable victories to date have been against 17-1 James Chereji, 13-1-1 Sebri Sediri (TKO1), and 19-2 Meyyl Vegas (TKO4).

Morocco has produced one world champion, 1988 Olympian Khalid Rahilou (37-5, 16 KOs – 1988-2002), the former World Boxing Association (WBA) Junior Welterweight World Champion, plus world title challengers such as bantamweight Luis Romero (158-19-6, 78 KOs – 1942-58) and heavyweight Lucien Rodriguez (39-12-1, 21 KOs – 1973-86). Other top Moroccan boxers through the years have included 2016 Olympian and 2015 World Amateur Championship gold medalist Mohammed Rabii (pro record 10-0, 5 KOs – 2017-19) and super featherweight Moussa Gholam (21-1, 13 KOs), who knocked out Lunga Sitemela (15-1) in the fourth round at “Rising Stars Arabia: The Revolution) this past January.

The 25-year-old Belmehdi started boxing in his hometown of Beziers at the age of 10 because of his love of martial arts. He didn’t model himself after any particular fighter, but he greatly admired Thomas Hearns, Jean-Baptiste Mendy, and Mike Tyson. 

“It’s a great pleasure for me and, above all, an honor to be able to represent the Arab people,” Belmehdi said. “I think an impressive win for me will results on a significant rise in world rankings and, more importantly, better opportunities to come, God willing.”

Lamptey, 21, is a dangerous opponent for Belmehdi, arguably the second-toughest opponent he’s fought. Lamptey is a former World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Silver, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Youth and Ghana super featherweight champion.

“I enjoy taking on challengers and facing adversity,” Belmehdi spoke about fighting Lamptey in the main event. “I don’t know much more specifically other than he (Lamptey) he is young and hungry. It’s up to me to prove that I have more experience than him and that it will be difficult for him to win.”

The Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) series, the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is sanctioned by the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission.

The most experienced Emirati boxer of all-time, hometown favorite Fahad “Kid Emirati” Al Bloushi (13-1, 3 KOs), has won 12 consecutive fights heading into Saturday’s eight- round, co-featured event against Venezuelan lightweight Andres Garcia (14-7-1, 11 KOs).

Another United Arab Emirates favorite, super flyweight Sultan Al Nuaimi (10-0, 6 KOs), puts his undefeated record on the line versus Venezuelan Eliu Canario (14-3, 11 KOs) in a 10-round match

Highly regarded Iraq light heavyweight prospect Amer Kadhum Ghaneem (3-0, 1 KO) meets Kharon Zapolsky (3-1, 1 KO), of Russia, in a six-rounder.

Egyptian super welterweight Ramy Magdi (3-2-1, 0 KOs) throws down with Issac Zebra, Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs), of Uganda, in a six-round fight, and former Egyptian Super Welterweight Champion Abdumonem “Braveheart” Said (23-3-1, 11 KOs) faces undefeated Faizan Anwar (16-0, 8 KOs), of India, in a 10-round confrontation.

Other undercard bouts Egyptian cruiserweight Youssef Karrar (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. pro debuting Ukrainian Mykyta Ionin, and Egyptian featherweight Mostafa Mohammed Fahmi Komsan (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Guan Mu (1-2-1, 0 KOs), of China, in a pair of six-round bouts.

Opening the event in four-round matches are Morocco welterweight Anas Hafiane (2-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA, United Arab Emirates Fahad Alkhorri (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Ariemba Isalah Odhiambo (1-4, 0 KOs), of Kenya, and Moroccan welterweight Anas Hafiane (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Sajan Greece Makesh Daisy (0-2), of United Arab Emirates.

Card subject to change.

“Rising Stars Arabia 3” is promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and is hosted in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

AAM Seddiqi Sports has been promoting and managing fighters in the region for 10 years and it has a growing stable of more than 30 gifted regional and global talents. Its events include five world title shows that have been broadcasted globally on ESPN, Sky Sports, and other major networks.

Tickets to “Rising Stars Arabia 3” are on sale now at https://swiy.co/rsa3. Leading up to the event, fans can find updates on the AAM Seddiqi Sports Instagram channel @seddiqiboxing and on seddiqiboxing.com.

#InAbuDhabi 

#RisingStarsArabia3

-END-

About Rising Stars Arabia

Presenting Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) – A fighting series promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and powered by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This marks a notable series within the UAE and the wider MENA region. This platform, humble in its intentions yet ambitious in its scope, provides aspiring Arab athletes with a unique opportunity to showcase their talents before regional and international audiences.

This significant initiative, grounded in the values of nurturing homegrown and regional talent, represents an important leap towards evolving professional boxing within the region. By doing so, it empowers an emerging generation of athletes with genuine opportunities right at their doorstep – eliminating the need to seek participation abroad.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture, creative and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage, and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.

Katie Taylor retained the Undispted Lightweight world title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Karen Elizabeth Carabajal at The OVO Arena in London.

Taylor, 134.5 lbs of Bray, IRE won by scores of 99-91 and 97-93 and is now 22-0. Carabajal, 134.2 lbs of Buenis Aires, ARG is 19-1.

Former world champion Kiko Martinez upset Jordan Gill via fourth round stoppage in their scheduled 10-round featherweight contest.

In round three, Martinez dropped Gill with a right hand. Later in the round, Martinez sent Gill to the canvas with a right uppercut. In round four, Martinez dumped Gill with a perfect right to the head. Martinez ended things by landing a big left hook that put Gill down for a fourth and final time at 2:44.

Martinez, 124.8 lbs of Alicante, SPA is 44-11-2 with 31 knockouts. Gill, 125.8 lbs of Chatteris, ENG is now 27-2-1.

Johnny Fisher remained undefeated as he obliterated Dominik Musil inside of a round in their six-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Fisher dropped Musil with a overhand right. Fisher then ran after Musil and dropped him again with a two punch combination. Fisher then landed a plethora of right hands that forced a referee stoppage at 2:03.

Fisher, 233.4 lbs of Romford, ENG has a rabid fan base and they went home happy as Fisher upped his mark to 7-0 with six knockouts. Musil, 262.7 lbs of the Czech Republic is 7-5.

Ellie Scotney remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Mary Romero in a super bantamweight fight.

Scotney, 121.5 lbs of Catford, ENG won by scores of 97-93, 97-94 and 96-94 and is now 6-0, Romero, 120.5 lbs of Murcia, SPA is 8-3.

In a battle of undefeated lightweights, Gary Cully destroyed Jaouad Balmedhi in a scheduled 10-round bout.

Cully landed one left to the chin that dropped and stopped Belmedhi at 35 seconds.

Cully, 135.5 lbs of Naas, IRE is 15-0 with nine knockouts. Belmedhi, 136.3 lbs of France is 16-1-3.

Mickey Ellison won a 10-round light heavyweight bout with a decision over previously undefeated Thomas Whittaker Hart.

Ellison, 174.9 lbs of Darwen, ENG won by a 96-95 score and is now 14-4. Hart, 174.8 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 7-1.

Jordan Reynolds remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Jose Manuel Lopez Clavero in a middleweight fight.

Reynolds, 163.1 lbs of Luton, ENG won by a 60-55 score, and is now 4-0. Clavero, 161.3 lbs of Granda, SPA is 16-19-1.

John Hedges remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Ales Makovec in a light heavyweight contest.

In round one, Hedges dropped Makovec with a body shot.

Hedges, 181.6 bs of Takeley, ENG won by a 60-53 score and is now 7-0. Makeovec, 180.2 lbs of Tabor, CZR is 3-1.

Maiseyrose Courtney made a successful pro debut with a four-round decision over Judit Hachbold in a flyweight bout.

Courtney, 113.5 lbs of Ektham, ENG won by a 40-36 score.