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Home » Amir Khan bids to bounce back in historic Saudi Arabia July 12 title clash

Amir Khan bids to bounce back in historic Saudi Arabia July 12 title clash

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  • 3 min read

Amir Khan bids to bounce back from his recent loss to Terence Crawford with a spectacular event in Saudi Arabia.

Boxing icon and global sporting phenomenon Khan will make history when he fights in the Kingdom on Friday 12th July, 2019.

As the biggest Muslim personality in sport since Muhammad Ali, Khan will become the first high profile Muslim boxer to showcase his skills at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

The stadium is nicknamed the “The Shining Jewel”. It stages a fight that promises to elevate the Kingdom as a major sporting attraction.

Two-Time World Champion & Olympic Silver Medallist “King” Khan is from Bolton, England. Khan is of Pakistani heritage. He will face India’s national boxing hero Neeraj Goyat.

The current WBC Asian Champion, Goyat opposes Khan in a massive showdown with a championship title on the line.

This important event is taking place during Saudi Seasons that will run from 8 June-19 July. It aims to transform the Kingdom into one of the most important tourist destinations in the world.

As a devout practitioner of the Muslim faith and sporting role model, Khan’s presence in Saudi Arabia, home of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Medina, promises to transcend cultural boundaries. Also capture the imaginations of the millions of citizens living in the MENA region and reach a truly global audience.

The fight, officially endorsed by the Saudi General Sports Authority, fits into the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 Strategy. It was launched in April 2016 to rapidly modernise the country.

Saudi’s energetic young HRH Mohammed bin Salman Crown Prince, who is spearheading the Strategy, is determined to see his country move away from oil dependency. Move towards a future that focuses on economic diversification, innovation and the creative self-fulfilment of its citizens.

He has made revolutionary changes in The Kingdom. Such as the empowerment of women to more effectively participate in the growth of economic reforms.

The Crown Prince recognises the importance of utilising the power of sport to encourage social change. His vision is to enhance international arts to enhance his nation’s reputation on the global stage.

The Kingdom is quickly becoming a major hub for international sporting events.


EVENTS

In early 2018, Saudi Arabia held its first international motorsport event, the two-day Race of Champions. It then staged its first international boxing event. The World Boxing Super Series Super-Middleweight final took place in Jeddah in September.

Following on from this, The Kingdom hosted Neymar and his footballing superstar compatriots when Brazil faced Argentina in the “Superclasico de las Americas” in October.

In December, the Formula E season kicked off with a memorable race around Ad Dirriyah.

Since the turn of the year, The Kingdom has hosted the Italian Super Cup clash between Serie A Champions Juventus and AC Milan, and the inaugural Saudi International golf tournament, which saw the world’s top players, including Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose, compete at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City.

This momentum will be taken to a bold new height when Amir Khan steps between the ropes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.