In a strategic move aimed at strengthening Arab sports cooperation and elevating the sport of boxing, the Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation signed a joint cooperation protocol with its Egyptian counterpart on Friday in Cairo. The signing ceremony was attended by a high-level representative, Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, reflecting the great importance Saudi Arabia places on the sports and entertainment sector within its ambitious vision.
The agreement was signed by Engineer Faisal bin Saeed Bafrat, a member of the board of directors of the Saudi Boxing Federation, representing the Saudi side, and by Major General Magdy El-Lozy, president of the Egyptian Boxing Federation, representing the Egyptian side. This agreement marks a cornerstone for a new phase of sports partnership between the two brotherly nations.
Protocol details and strategic objectives
The signed protocol included several key provisions aimed at developing technical and administrative staff and players in both countries. The two parties agreed to organize joint training camps, hold regular friendly tournaments, and exchange technical and refereeing expertise. This step is particularly important given the significant sporting boom in Saudi Arabia and its ongoing efforts to become a global destination for major combat sports, drawing on Egypt's long-standing experience in the field.
This cooperation is an extension of the growing role of the Saudi Boxing Federation, which is working to enhance the presence of this sport regionally and internationally, and to build quality partnerships that contribute to creating a new generation of Arab champions capable of competing in Olympic and international events.
The "Glory in Giza" fight: A highly anticipated global event
On the sidelines of this collaboration, Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh made a major announcement, in partnership with the prestigious magazine "The Ring," regarding a historic world fight titled "Glory in Giza." This exceptional event is set to bring together the unified heavyweight champion, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, and the former kickboxing legend, Dutchman Rico Verhoeven.
The highly anticipated fight will take place on Saturday, May 23, in Egypt, where the two champions will compete for the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title. The event will receive extensive media coverage, being broadcast exclusively on the global platform DAZN, placing Egypt and Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the attention of combat sports fans worldwide.
The return of legends and the challenge of giants
This fight is particularly significant as it marks Rico Verhoeven's official return to the boxing ring after a 12-year absence, during which he reigned supreme in kickboxing with an undefeated record for over a decade. Meanwhile, Usyk enters the fight with an impressive record (24 wins and no losses, 15 of them by knockout), riding high on his recent victories and dominance in the heavyweight division.
Usyk had proven his worth in his last fight, which ended with a fifth-round knockout victory over Daniel Dubois, in a huge event held at Wembley Stadium in the British capital, London, thus confirming his position at the top of world boxing.
