Moroccan boxer Gholam headlines second edition of Rising Stars Arabia: The Revolution
- 04 Jan 2024
Abu Dhabi braces itself to host ‘Rising Star Arabia: The Revolution’, which is latest version of The Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) series, promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and sponsored by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
The second edition of the much-anticipated Rising Stars Arabia will take place on Jan.13 at Yas Links Golf Course in Abu Dhabi.
The Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) series is the first of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, providing a platform to showcase the best of Arab boxing talent to international and regional audiences.
Sanctioned by the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission, ‘Rising Star Arabia: The Revolution’will be streamed live on DAZN and ESPN Knockout, as well as broadcast on Abu Dhabi Sports TV, starting at 8 pm UAEST (11 a.m. EST and 8 a.m. PST).
Moroccan super featherweight Moussa Gholam (20-1, 12 KOs) will headline “Rising Stars Arabia: The Revolution.
Gholam, who was rated No. 14 by the World Boxing Council WBC) at the time, was originally scheduled to headline the inaugural “Rising Stars Arabia” event this past September 9. However, he was forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered during training camp, but he returns eager to establish himself as the future of Arab boxing in his Middle East debut fight.
The 28-year-old Gholam will take on South African ‘Baby’ Lunga Sitemela (15-1, 9 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Gholam is a former World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Inter-Continental and WBC Youth Silver Super Featherweight Champion. Sitemela is a former South African Super Featherweight Champion.
The 10-round co-featured event pits hometown favorite Fahad ‘Kid Emirati’ Al Bloushi (12-1, 2 KOs) against veteran Milner Marcano (24-12, 20 KOs), of Argentina. Al Bloushi, the pride of UAE, has won his last 11 fights in a row.
“2024 will be a significant year for Rising Stars Arabia,” promoter Ahmed Seddiqi said. “It’s the second edition of the series and we are thrilled to have world-class boxer Moussa Gholam perform globally on DAZN and ESPN KO. We’re also excited about other exceptional talents such as UAE national Fahad Ali Baloushi, Bader Samreen and the extraordinary talent from Iraq, Ameer Kadhum Ghaneem.
“My hope is for Moroccans to come support their fighter, Emiratis to back their warrior, and all other Arab nationals on the card to have their supporters and fanbase present live on January 13 at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. None of this would have been possible without our partners from the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi and our broadcasting partners, DAZN and ESPN KO.”
