From Al Ain to April: Bahrain’s Boxing Rise Begins with Davis

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s boxing team is steadily carving a path forward, with their next proving ground set for April 18 at the Kingdom’s fourth outdoor licensed event. Fresh off a plucky performance at the Al Ain Ramadan Boxing Championship—where Ali Khaled Bakhlaf clinched gold—the squad is poised to take the ring on home soil. This event isn’t about flash; it’s a chance for Bahrain to keep pushing forward in the regional boxing scene.

Tony Davis Lifts the Lid

Speaking exclusively to The Daily Tribune, Bahrain coach Tony Davis peeled back the layers on Al Ain and the journey ahead. “We sent three fighters over—logistics cut our roster in half, but they were ready for the challenge,” he said, setting the scene. “Some of our boxers went with the club instead of the national team, which is a pity, but that’s a story for another day.” Breaking down the bouts, Davis recalled, “Young Fahad faced a Russian kid boxing for an Emirati club—went the distance but dropped a tight split decision. Then there’s his brother Abdullah, who took down the most experienced Emirati at 71 kilos. I’ve watched that guy, a soldier, compete at World Championships, Asian Games, and Asian Championships. Abdullah scored a knockdown too—not even his usual weight; he’s a 67-kilo fighter, but Al Ain’s categories forced the shift.” Ahmed’s story took a twist: “He was cruising through two rounds, then sickness hit hard—he was vomiting in the corner, and the ref had to call it.” Davis isn’t lingering on setbacks; he’s already plotting the next move. “I’m drafting a request now for a European tournament with the full team. It’s all about stacking up international rounds.” His words carry the weight of a man who sees the bigger picture, steering a program with untapped potential.

Steady Gains in Al Ain

The Al Ain Ramadan Boxing Championship closed out March 11 at the Al Ain Club sports hall in the UAE, with 122 fighters from six nations slugging it out. Ali Khaled Bakhlaf emerged as Bahrain’s beacon, claiming the 63.5kg elite men’s title. Against Anatoli Gregoryan, he showed crisp footwork and pinpoint punches, locking in gold and turning heads. The rest of the lineup—Fahad Saleh Abdullah (60kg elite), Abdullah Saleh Alabdullah (71kg elite), Rasheed Wahid Ali (80kg elite), and youth prospect Ahmed Hany Attia (60kg)—held their own. Al Ain Club walked away with the overall title, but Bahrain’s haul signaled a team on the rise. Davis’ take—“They were prepared adequately enough”—highlighted a squad that punched above its weight, even shorthanded.

April 18 Takes Shape

The April 18 event—Bahrain’s seventh domestic outing and fifth at the Dilmun Club—is shaping up to be huge for local Boxing. It’s pulling in fighters from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the Emirates, alongside a crowd blending locals and expats. Davis painted a vivid picture: “This is our seventh event in the domestic series, fifth at Dilmun—the other two were at a table tennis hall by the national stadium and a school in Rifa. It’s a strong setup, one of Dilmun’s bigger nights.” He sees its broader impact: “What’s great is we can stage these without straining state finances. It’s an avenue that’s turned into one of the club’s most popular draws.” Ambition runs high—“We’re aiming for this to be one of our best yet,” he said. “We’ve had former world champs in that ring working pads, showing their stuff, even if the crowd didn’t always clock who they were.” Davis is hands-on: “Locals register, and I pair them up by the book—some don’t get it, but I make sure no one’s getting hurt. It’s a sport, not a brawl.” The event’s reach is widening—“Boxers from Saudi, Kuwait, and the Emirates are taking part”, and it’s a community affair too: “Expats and locals mix, bring their kids—there’s plenty for them to do. Might even spark a future fighter or two. It’s about preparation and bringing people together.” This isn’t just a fight card; it’s a foundation being laid.

Step by Step Forward

Bahrain’s boxing program is finding its rhythm. Bakhlaf’s precision win and Abdullah’s upset in Al Ain—against a seasoned pro, no less—hint at a squad with real promise. The April 18 event is the next marker—nothing overblown, just a chance to sharpen their craft. Davis guides with a steady hand, balancing safety and growth, while eyeing Europe to broaden their horizons. Interest is brewing across the Gulf, and with every carefully matched bout, Bahrain edges closer to something lasting. This is a team building its story, round by round.