DUBAI // Eisa Aldah, the UAE's first and only professional boxer, secured his eighth win from 10 fights last night at the Dubai International Boxing Championships. The Emirati defeated Miguel Angel Munguia of Mexico by unanimous decision after five rounds.
Aldah, fighting for the first time since knocking out Ignasi Caballero at Dubai World Trade Centre 12 months ago, entered the ring at the Aviation Club to chants of "Eisa, Eisa", while Munguia, wrapped in the Mexican tri-colour and wearing a sombrero, unsurprisingly arrived to the sound of jeers.
Aldah spoke earlier this week about his improved speed and strength since working with Stacey McKinley, Mike Tyson's former trainer, but he was slow out of his corner as both fighters began tentatively.
By the second round, the 33-year-old – dressed in black shorts and the letters UAE running down the sides – looked more aggressive and nicked a couple of quick jabs, but his guard was continually being breached and he was on his knees in the second round. Referee Steve Smoger ruled no knock-down, however, and seconds later, Munguia was downed following a flurry of fast punches.
The Mexican was on the floor again in the third, but bounced back up to fight on and landed a strong overhead right shortly before the bell. Both boxers were visibly tiring by the fourth and by the final round Munguia was landing more of his punches, but neither boxer could land the knock-out blow. When the judges scorecards were announced Aldah's earlier knock-downs served him well and the local hero won unanimously to send the vocal local crowd into frenzy.
"I am delighted to win in front of my home crowd," Aldah said in Arabic during his post-fight interview. "It was not easy, but you all helped give me motivation."
