Former heavyweight champion of the world Lennox Lewis is predicting 'big things' for boxing in Bahrain. Getty
Former heavyweight champion of the world Lennox Lewis is predicting 'big things' for boxing in Bahrain. Getty
Former heavyweight champion of the world Lennox Lewis is predicting 'big things' for boxing in Bahrain. Getty
Former heavyweight champion of the world Lennox Lewis is predicting 'big things' for boxing in Bahrain. Getty

Bob Arum, Lennox Lewis and Roy Jones Jr throw weight behind Bahrain boxing summit


John McAuley
  • English
  • Arabic

Some of the major figures in boxing have offered their support to the summit scheduled to take place for the first time in Bahrain later this year, including Bob Arum, Frank Warren, Lennox Lewis and Roy Jones Jr.

The conference, to be staged this autumn by KHK Sports and MTK Global, aims to bring together a number of the industry’s leaders to discuss the future of the sport.

KHK Sports is a Bahrain-based sports media project led by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The dates for the summit have yet to be finalised.

Bahrain is also set to host its first world title fight after the conference, with a welterweight unification bout between Manny Pacquiao and Terence Crawford mooted. The pair hold the WBA and WBO belts, respectively.

Speaking about the summit, Top Rank founder Arum, whose company promotes Crawford, said in a statement: “Top Rank is very excited to have received the news from MTK Global that we may be about to conclude a major arrangement to do world-class boxing matches together with His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the team at KHK Sports.

“We are very enthusiastic about putting events in Bahrain and making the country a worldwide tourist destination."

Warren, the head of Queensberry Promotions who serve as heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s UK promoter, added: “I am delighted to hear Bahrain will be entering into the boxing marketplace. It is great news for our sport.

“Through the effort, support and vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the team at KHK Sports and their advisor Daniel Kinahan, this will create fantastic opportunities for boxing and boxers. We look forward to working with everyone in the sport on this exciting new venture.”

Other notable names to back the summit included three-time heavyweight champion Lewis and former four-division world champion Jones Jr.

Lewis said: “Having heard the great news of MTK Global partnering with His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s KHK Sports, I can’t wait to see boxing in Bahrain – big things.”

The news of Bahrain’s emergence on the boxing map, and its desire to hold major title fights, adds to the Gulf’s growing contribution to the sport.

In December, Saudi Arabia hosted the world heavyweight title rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr, when the Brit regained his world titles.

On Tuesday, Arum confirmed negotiations regarding Pacquiao-Crawford, telling YouTube channel iFL TV: "We hope we get Crawford and Pacquiao in action this year and through our friends at MTK, we are in serious talks with Bahrain for doing major fights there. I would love to do some big, big events in Bahrain.

"Let's see what happens. Everything is likely; everyone wants to do these big events until it comes time to put up the money. But I think with Bahrain we've got a good shot at getting it done."

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The low down on MPS

What is myofascial pain syndrome?

Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (­connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).

What are trigger points?

Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft ­tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and ­sustained posture are the main culprits in developing ­trigger points.

What is myofascial or trigger-point release?

Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle ­sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in ­connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. ­Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.