Fists Up, Flags Raised: GCC Boxers Unite for Championship in Bahrain

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain is set to host its fourth outdoor licensed boxing event—this time with a twist that could shape the future of boxing across the Gulf. Held under the banner of the Bahrain Boxing Federation, this edition will welcome boxers from six of the seven GCC nations—Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and Oman— squaring off in a show of regional talent and national pride.

Birth of KBC’s Future Champions

Amid the buzz, The Daily Tribune sat down for an exclusive interview with Sami Nabeel Ali Al-Adsani, founder and coach at Killa Boxing Club, one of the participating local gyms shaping Bahrain’s next generation of pugilists.

“I walked into my first boxing gym in Baltimore, Maryland, USA,” he began. “It was called Baltimore Boxing Club. I met a pro fighter and trainer, Ernest ‘Lightning Bug’ Hall. It was great. He was great. I miss him. I learned the game the right way as a youngster — I may have been 15 or 16.”

That experience lit a lifelong flame. But returning to Bahrain, Sami noticed a painful absence of what once inspired him. “Bahrain doesn’t have that, anywhere close,” he said. “It’s a shame. I wanted to open a club that can help inspire young people to live better, the same way I was inspired. The kids here deserve it. Everyone deserves to be inspired and motivated to do better.”

Two Fighters, One Dream

Now, Killa Boxing Club is contributing two fighters to the championship — each carrying the weight of personal ambition and national pride. One of them is Salman “Champ” Rafique, a promising 13-year-old who will be making his amateur debut. “He’s a technician with composure beyond his years,” Sami said. “He looks to make a statement. Hopefully he’ll find a good dance partner in the matchup to show his skills.”

Alongside Salman will be Ahmed Shaban, 29, who adds maturity and experience to the team’s card. But despite the hype, Sami says his excitement is layered with something more serious. “I’m not excited. I’m anxious,” he admitted. “Anxious that every person who is competing is doing the hard work they need to do to remain safe and in control in the ring. I’m excited for the outcome they’d get if they worked hard. But that’s looking past the task at hand. It ain’t easy being in that ring.”

The Harsh Reality

That hard truth is one Sami knows intimately. Reflecting on his early days in the sport, he recalls how long it took to find his footing. “It took a whole year to get comfortable in that ring. It seemed like no matter what I did, I couldn’t stay in control of the person across from me. And boy did I get beat up a lot for that… then it clicked. Now I can’t be touched.” “I relate my experiences to every person who I teach. It’s hard work to get over that mental barrier. And it ain’t done by explaining — it’s done by doing.”

With the championship drawing fighters from nearly every corner of the Gulf, many see the event as a major turning point. But Sami keeps it grounded. “I don’t see it as a milestone. It’s a decent start. There should be two events per month, not two per year.”

Empowering the Youth

That said, he’s quick to credit the momentum driven by leadership.“They’re great, these events — led by HH Shaikh Khalid and KHK’s team. They help people in many ways. I hope that as I get older, and as my experience expands regionally and globally, I will be able to help Shaikh Khalid’s initiative reach even higher heights — in empowering the young generation through sport and good values.”

On April 18, the ring at The Dilmun Club will be about representation, responsibility, and a region coming together — one jab, one round, one shared dream at a time.