Four champions crowned as WBC Boxing Grand Prix concludes in Riyadh

The WBC Boxing Grand Prix concluded on Saturday at Boulevard City in Riyadh Season with four closely contested finals, all decided by unanimous decision, bringing an eight-month international tournament to a dramatic close. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 December 2025
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Four champions crowned as WBC Boxing Grand Prix concludes in Riyadh

  • Riyadh Season continues to attract major international sporting events and reinforce Riyadh’s growing presence on the global sports stage

RIYADH: The WBC Boxing Grand Prix concluded on Saturday at Boulevard City in Riyadh Season with four closely contested finals, all decided by unanimous decision, bringing an eight-month international tournament to a dramatic close.

The final fight night saw world titles decided across four weight divisions, with each champion receiving the World Boxing Council’s championship belt along with a $100,000 prize, while runners-up earned $50,000.

Australia’s Dylan Biggs claimed the middleweight title after securing a unanimous decision victory in a bout defined by physical strength and tactical discipline, writing his name into the history of the inaugural edition of the tournament.

In the heavyweight final, Argentina’s Kevin Ramirez was crowned champion after defeating Bosnia’s Ahmed Krnjic by unanimous decision. Ramirez controlled the contest throughout, earning sustained applause from the Riyadh crowd as he lifted the trophy.

The featherweight division title went to Mexico’s Brandon Mejia Mosqueda, who overcame Italy’s Mohamed Gamli by unanimous decision in a fast-paced contest that highlighted his speed and technical ability, and reinforced his status as one of the division’s emerging talents.

Colombia’s Carlos Otria secured the super lightweight crown after a competitive and high-tempo bout against Uzbekistan’s Mujibullah Tursunov. Following sustained exchanges over the rounds, the judges awarded Otria a unanimous decision.

All four finals were staged under professional regulations approved by the WBC, within an organisational framework designed to provide rising talents with a global platform. The event reflected the continued partnership between Riyadh Season and the WBC, aimed at raising international competition standards and showcasing emerging boxers.

The tournament began in April, featuring 128 boxers from more than 40 countries competing across multiple stages. The initiative was launched last December by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation, in partnership with the WBC, with the aim of creating a global pathway for young fighters to compete at the highest level.

The conclusion of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix highlighted the tournament’s strong fan engagement and organisational success, as Riyadh Season continues to attract major international sporting events and reinforce Riyadh’s growing presence on the global sports stage.


Paolini races into round two to kickstart Australian Open

Updated 18 January 2026
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Paolini races into round two to kickstart Australian Open

MELBOURNE: Jasmine Paolini powered into the Australian Open second round with a straight-sets demolition to kickstart the action in a hot and sunny Melbourne on Sunday.
The seventh-seeded Italian outclassed Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-1, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.
Paolini faces Poland’s Magdalena Frech or Veronika Erjavec of Slovenia next.
“It was pretty good today, I did not expect that,” she said of her emphatic win in 69 minutes.
“Always tough to play first round. I played pretty good. I was solid, focused, so happy.
“Before the match I was a little nervous, to be honest, but then stepped on court and felt good from the first ball.”
The 30-year-old broke her opponent’s serve immediately and raced into a 3-0 lead in just 10 minutes.
She polished off the first set in 26 minutes and although Sasnovich put up more resistance in the second, Paolini ran out a comfortable winner.
Paolini reached the finals of Wimbledon and the French Open in 2024, but her best result at Melbourne Park is the fourth round in the same year.