Some of the major figures in boxing have offered their support to the summit scheduled to take place for the first time in Bahrain later this year, including Bob Arum, Frank Warren, Lennox Lewis and Roy Jones Jr.
The conference, to be staged this autumn by KHK Sports and MTK Global, aims to bring together a number of the industry’s leaders to discuss the future of the sport.
KHK Sports is a Bahrain-based sports media project led by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The dates for the summit have yet to be finalised.
Bahrain is also set to host its first world title fight after the conference, with a welterweight unification bout between Manny Pacquiao and Terence Crawford mooted. The pair hold the WBA and WBO belts, respectively.
Speaking about the summit, Top Rank founder Arum, whose company promotes Crawford, said in a statement: “Top Rank is very excited to have received the news from MTK Global that we may be about to conclude a major arrangement to do world-class boxing matches together with His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the team at KHK Sports.
“We are very enthusiastic about putting events in Bahrain and making the country a worldwide tourist destination."
Warren, the head of Queensberry Promotions who serve as heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s UK promoter, added: “I am delighted to hear Bahrain will be entering into the boxing marketplace. It is great news for our sport.
“Through the effort, support and vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the team at KHK Sports and their advisor Daniel Kinahan, this will create fantastic opportunities for boxing and boxers. We look forward to working with everyone in the sport on this exciting new venture.”
Other notable names to back the summit included three-time heavyweight champion Lewis and former four-division world champion Jones Jr.
Lewis said: “Having heard the great news of MTK Global partnering with His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s KHK Sports, I can’t wait to see boxing in Bahrain – big things.”
The news of Bahrain’s emergence on the boxing map, and its desire to hold major title fights, adds to the Gulf’s growing contribution to the sport.
In December, Saudi Arabia hosted the world heavyweight title rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr, when the Brit regained his world titles.
On Tuesday, Arum confirmed negotiations regarding Pacquiao-Crawford, telling YouTube channel iFL TV: "We hope we get Crawford and Pacquiao in action this year and through our friends at MTK, we are in serious talks with Bahrain for doing major fights there. I would love to do some big, big events in Bahrain.
"Let's see what happens. Everything is likely; everyone wants to do these big events until it comes time to put up the money. But I think with Bahrain we've got a good shot at getting it done."
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Anthony Joshua beats Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia
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Anthony Joshua lands a big right on Andy Ruiz Jr during the British fighter's comprehensive victory in the heavyweight world title rematch in Saudi Arabia in December 2019. Getty -
Anthony Joshua celebrates victory over Andy Ruiz Jr. Getty -
British boxer Anthony Joshua (white trunks) competes with Mexican-American Andy Ruiz Jr in Diriya. AFP -
Joshua lands a right in his fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. AFP -
Defending champion Andy Ruiz Jr trades blows with Anthony Joshua. AP -
Joshua outclassed Andy Ruiz Jr for a unanimous points victory. AFP -
Defending champion Andy Ruiz Jr takes a punch during his fight against Britain's Anthony Joshua. AP -
Andy Ruiz Jr after losing on points to Britain's Anthony Joshua. PA -
Andy Ruiz Jr trades blows with Anthony Joshua. PA -
Andy Ruiz Jr tries to land a left Against Anthony Joshua. PA -
Anthony Joshua poses with the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO world heavyweight title belts. Getty
