Dubai set for WBC Middle East world title bout at Purse on the Palm

Purse on the Palm will take place in Dubai on Sept. 20. (Supplied)
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Updated 15 September 2025
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Dubai set for WBC Middle East world title bout at Purse on the Palm

  • Brit Anees Taj takes on Egypt’s Wagdy Attia in the show’s main event on Sept. 20
  • Event will feature seven professional bouts and an amateur prize fighter tournament with cash prizes

DUBAI: Dubai will host Purse on the Palm on Sept. 20, with the main event featuring a WBC Middle East title bout and a prize fighter tournament where the winner will walk away with almost $5,500.

The event, staged by Grassroots Boxing, takes place at W Dubai and features a card that includes established fighters as well emerging talent from the region.

In the night’s main event, for the WBC Middle East title, the UK’s Anees Taj (10-5) takes on Egypt’s Wagdy Attia (12-2) in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Taj, 29, goes into the bout having won his past three fights, most recently against compatriot Phil Williams in November 2024.

Attia, meanwhile, has lost just once in his previous nine encounters, with the 30-year-old overcoming fellow countryman, Mohamed Gaabary, last time out.

Jamie Cormack, head of Grassroots Boxing, said: “Purse on the Palm is set to be an electrifying new addition to the boxing calendar, an experience that brings together die-hard fans and casual spectators for a Saturday filled with sport and entertainment.

“Unlike traditional fight nights, the action kicks off in the afternoon, with guests able to enjoy premium brunch packages as the bouts unfold.

“The WBC Middle East title clash between Anees Taj and Wagdy Attia is not to be missed, while the high-stakes prize fighter tournament, with cash on the line, will have the crowd on the edge of their seats from the first bell.”

The card will also feature unbeaten Dubai-based fighter Mikael Husain (8-0), backed by Hamza Sheeraz, who achieved a victory over Edgar Berlanga in New York recently.

Sheeraz will be at Purse on the Palm, along with world champion Jazza Dickens, who produced a career-best performance to stun Albert Batyrgaziev via fourth-round knockout in July.

The prize fighter tournament will feature eight amateur boxers battling it out to walk off with almost $5,500, while the beaten finalist will pocket $2,700. Knockout bonuses are on offer in every contest.

Fights will be judged by three commission judges, along with three current or former world champions.


Commando Group leads standings on second day of Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship

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Commando Group leads standings on second day of Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship

  • Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club secured second place, with Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club taking third at Mubadala Arena

ABU DHABI: Commando Group on Monday finished top of the standings at the Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship, capping off a day of competition in the blue and purple belt divisions at Mubadala Arena.

The second day of the event also saw Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club secure second place, with Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club taking third. The youth tournament is part of the 17th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

The championship is held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Mansoor Al-Dhaheri, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The seventeenth edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s status as the world capital of jiu-jitsu. The event plays an important role in developing the sport and bringing communities together, and the participation of more than 10,000 athletes from 130 countries shows the growing confidence of the international sporting community in Abu Dhabi’s capabilities to organize major events. The championship’s constant high technical quality levels and the rise of new talents give the sport strong momentum locally and internationally.

“The championship reflects the UAE leadership’s vision to support younger generations through sports, especially jiu-jitsu, which instils values such as discipline, focus, confidence and patience in athletes. These values help mold a generation that is ready to compete at the highest levels and prepared for the future.”

One of the VIP guests, Carlos Vizioli, deputy chief of mission at the Brazilian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, said: “I am honored to attend this championship. It reflects the strong and growing relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Brazil. The UAE has become the main destination for thousands of Brazilian athletes who find a supportive environment here and feel at home.

“Abu Dhabi has shown that it can organize and host major global sports events at the highest level. This is why all participants appreciate and admire it. The hospitality and professional organization are key to the championship’s success every year.

“The performances we saw today from the blue and purple belt athletes were very strong and impressive. They are making clear progress, and their level shows the quality of training in clubs and academies from around the world.”

Competitions for the Masters category will start on Tuesday.