Floyd Mayweather Jr talks life in the UAE ahead exhibition fight against Don Moore at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi

Floyd Mayweather. (Photo: @floydmayweather)
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Updated 20 May 2022
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Floyd Mayweather Jr talks life in the UAE ahead exhibition fight against Don Moore at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi

  • Only a select group of VIPs will be at the bout, which is part of the Abu Dhabi Unity Boxing Event, and which was postponed from last week after the passing of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa

For most of his career as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Floyd Mayweather Jr, delighted fight fans around the world with this unique style and devastating punching.

As he returns to boxing for an exhibition fight, a new audience in the UAE will witness the skills of the 45-year-old American legend at close hand.

On Saturday, Mayweather Jr will step into the ring at Etihad Arena for the Abu Dhabi Unity Boxing Event, although only a select group of Sheikhs and VIPs will see him take on Don Moore. 
The event will be the world’s first NFT Sporting event, with Mayweather earning a reported amount of $25 million.




Floyd Mayweather. (Photo: @kastagrammer)

Currently, he is spending time with celebrity friend, Tamer Hassan, renowned British Hollywood actor and humanitarian, and Hassan’s close friend, celebrity publicist and real estate power broker, Kas Syed for Espace Real estate alongside friend and American footballer, Antonio Brown.

Mayweather was due in the ring last weekend but the fight was postponed due to the passing of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa.

"I am saddened by the passing of HH Sheikh Khalifa and will continue to support this amazing country, I love coming here and will continue to invest and broaden my business into Dubai" He told Arab News.




Kas Syed and Floyd Mayweather. (Photo: @kastagrammer)

Few boxers can match Mayweather’s remarkable unbeaten career in the ring. From 1996 until his retirement in 2017, he won 15 world titles, ranging from super featherweight to light middleweight.

Like Hassan and Syed, Floyd now retired and a boxing promoter himself, still misses being in the ring. For many boxing experts and fans, he is the greatest pound for pound boxer of modern times.

Mayweather has been taking part in training camp in Dubai over the last few weeks and seems to be enjoying his time in Dubai, in and outside the gym.




Tamer Hassan and Floyd Mayweather. (Photo: @realtamerhassan)

The boxer has spent the week skiing in the mall of the Emirates, splashing out in Dubai mall, visited the Museum of the Future and topped it off with a luxury cruise on a yacht hosted by Espace Real Estate and Superfly Yachts DXB. Mayweather also treated his closest friends and family to a whopping 150 burgers and 150 pizzas.

Asked if he has any plans to bring his talent elsewhere in the region, Mayweather told Arab News: “The Middle East is always welcoming and combat sports is growing fast in the region. As the name says, Money May, if it makes sense, I am there.”


Alcaraz defeats Rublev to reach Qatar Open final against Fils

Updated 21 February 2026
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Alcaraz defeats Rublev to reach Qatar Open final against Fils

  • The Spaniard will face France’s Arthur Fils in Saturday’s final
  • Russian Rublev fought back from 3-0 down to level the second set and then saved five match points

DOHA: World number one Carlos Alcaraz continued his unbeaten run in 2026 as he beat defending champion Andrey Rublev 7-6(3) 6-4 on Friday to reach the Qatar Open final, reaching the 12th summit clash in his last 13 tournaments.
The Spaniard will face France’s Arthur Fils in Saturday’s final after the 21-year-old beat Czech Jakub Mensik 6-4 7-6(4) in the second semifinal.
Russian Rublev fought back from 3-0 down to level the second set and then saved five match points, but Alcaraz ultimately prevailed to win his 11th straight match of the season.
“I know what I’m able to do every time that I step on court. For me it’s great. Obviously, the way I’m approaching ⁠every match, I’m ⁠just really proud about it,” said 22-year-old Alcaraz, who has been a finalist at the last four Grand Slams, winning three of them.
“It’s paying off, all the focus and attention. I’m just happy and proud about myself with how I’m getting better and getting mature I guess.”
Rublev made 14 unforced backhand errors in the first set, but outwitted Alcaraz with precise forehands ⁠that nicked the baseline as both players broke the other twice each to go into a tiebreak.
Alcaraz held his nerve to go 6-3 up in the tiebreak as a frustrated Rublev repeatedly smashed the racket on his left knee, breaking a string. Seven-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz then pretended to slice but landed a forehand down the sideline to win the first set.
Alcaraz broke Rublev twice to go 5-3 up in the second set and was serving for the match when the world number 14 saved three match points to break back.
But Alcaraz pushed to break again for ⁠victory in ⁠the next game, and finally converted his sixth match point when Rublev’s backhand landed wide.
Fils reached his fifth career final with a commanding victory over world number 16 Mensik in just over 90 minutes. The Frenchman — who suffered a lower back stress fracture during the 2025 French Open that led to eight months out of the game — committed fewer unforced errors in an otherwise even match, while saving seven of eight break points and converting two of five.
“Eight months without playing, watching others and staying in bed. It was a long and difficult ordeal. But today, the comeback is all the more sweet. It means a lot to me to be in the final,” said Fils.