Emirati super-flyweight, Fahad Al Bloushi, made history by securing the first win of the inaugural Champion Series held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night.
Al Bloushi dominated all six rounds to defeat Georgian opponent Iraki Shariashvili by unanimous decision (60-54, 59-55, 59-55).
“I feel on cloud nine,” said Al Bloushi, who adorned black and gold shorts emblazoned with the UAE flag. “When I walked out and saw all the fans, I was surprised. Usually for the first fight of the night, the crowd is smaller, but the crowd here was so loud and calling my name. I feel like a superstar just now.”
The local boxer extended his record to 11 wins from 12 fights.
Al Bloushi’s memorable victory came in the first fight of the night, which is set to culminate in Abu Dhabi’s first world title fight, between WBA light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and challenger Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.
The inaugural series is part of the landmark new partnership between Matchroom Boxing and the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi).
