LAS VEGAS: Two Saudi boxers made their debuts on Saturday night as part of the “fight of the century” between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
In the lightweight division, Mohammed Alakel scored a unanimous-decision win over American Travis Crawford after 10 action-packed rounds.
Alakel had easily won five prior matches, including knocking out his previous challenger Yumnam Singh in the first round four months ago.
Sultan Al-Mohammed earned a unanimous-decision win over American Martin Caraballo in his first fight in the super lightweight division.
Alakel told a press briefing attended by Arab News after his fight: “I’m honored to be representing my country in these big events. It’s my first time fighting outside of Saudi Arabia … I hope to fight many more times. It’s been good fighting.”
He said the “very different” fight atmosphere between Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas did not impact his ability to win.
“Vegas is known for boxing, these big events, so obviously the energy is different. But I don’t really focus on people or the crowd that much. I focus on my opponent and the work that needs to be done,” he added.
Alakel said his opponent “didn’t surprise me at all. Of course he’s got more fights and experience, and I knew he was going to be tough.”
He added that he is “extremely grateful” for the support he has received from his country and Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Boxing Federation.
Al-Mohammed said he is excited to pursue boxing and build on his first fight and victory. “It’s good but I want more … I didn’t do everything I have. Next time you’ll see better than this,” he added, thanking Alalshikh and the Saudi Boxing Federation for supporting him. “Next time I’ll show you more and even better skills.”
