Manners ready for fight night at Dilmun

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain is bracing for a storm of adrenaline as the Domestic Boxing Open Air Championship returns tomorrow night at Dilmun Club, now in its 5th edition at the venue and 8th overall. Fighters from across the GCC — including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain — will go toe-to-toe in one of the region’s most electric combat sports events.

With schools fighting for 1.5 minutes, juniors and youth facing off in 3 rounds of 2 minutes, and elite boxers going the full 3 x 3 minutes, the action will be non-stop. But don’t expect the schedule to follow the age groups. According to Tony Davis, Bahrain’s national boxing coach, bouts will be strategically mixed, with some of the night’s most exciting fights appearing early to keep the energy high from the start.

“It’s a Moment to Show What We Stand For”

Stepping into the spotlight once again is Sasha Manners, assistant coach at Killa Boxing Club (KBC) in Salmabad. Having won his last bout in December at the same championship, Sasha is returning with more than victory on his mind.

“Coming off the win in December, it feels amazing to step back into the ring this weekend,” Manners told TDT. “There’s a special energy about these events. For me, representing KBC means carrying the pride and hard work of our entire team. It’s a moment to show what we stand for.”

KBC: Built for Battle

Known for producing some of the Kingdom’s most promising fighters, KBC is fast becoming Bahrain’s go-to arena for talent development. Sasha credits the gym’s culture for sharpening both his skills and mindset.

“Training at KBC has been intense but incredibly rewarding.

The environment is serious — it pushes you to show up every day with focus and hunger. The coaches, teammates, and the whole culture at the club have helped shape me not just as a boxer, but as a disciplined individual overall.”

Boxing as a Way of Life

For Manners, boxing serves as a foundation for discipline and growth — shaping both the fighter and the man. “Boxing has had a huge impact on who I am,” he said. “It’s taught me how to stay composed under pressure, how to push through challenges, and how to carry myself with confidence and respect — both inside and outside the ring. It really does become a lifestyle.”

Welch Watching Ringside

Adding serious star power to Friday’s fight night is Scott Welch, former British, Commonwealth, and Inter-Continental heavyweight champion and current WBC Cares UK chairman. Welch is also remembered for his role opposite Brad Pitt in the cult classic Snatch — and his presence in Bahrain brings weight to an already stacked card.

“Having someone like Scott Welch attend definitely adds some excitement,” said Manners. “I wouldn’t say pressure — more motivation. You want to put on a performance that earns the respect of someone who’s been in the game that long.”

All Eyes on the Gulf Ring

With boxers flying in from across the region, competition is set to be tough — exactly how Sasha likes it.

“Facing fighters from across the Gulf is an exciting challenge. It’s a chance to test my skills, learn from diverse styles, and prove the strength of KBC’s training. Our club’s commitment to the sport has prepared me well, and I’m eager to represent that on a bigger stage.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

With boxing’s popularity in Bahrain continuing to rise, Sasha sees each fight as a chance to give back.

“Bahrain’s combat sports scene is growing fast, and I’m proud to be part of that movement. I hope my journey shows younger fighters what’s possible with discipline and dedication. If I can inspire even one kid to walk into a gym and start their own journey — that’s a win in itself.”

A Title Fight for National Pride

With fighters from every corner of the Gulf stepping into the ring and a legend like Scott Welch watching from ringside, this year’s edition of the Domestic Boxing Open Air Championship is more than just a night of punches and points. It’s a powerful statement about the future of boxing in the region — with Bahrain, once again, at the very heart of the fight.

And for Sasha Manners, this is just another round in a much bigger battle — one that’s only just begun.