Emirati lightweight prospect Fahad Al Bloushi is in high spirits ahead of his highly-awaited professional debut, determined to make not only the whole nation proud but the sizeable Filipino expatriate community here as well.

After all, the 23-year-old Dubai-based starlet is proud of his Filipino heritage as he makes his pro bow on Friday’s huge ‘Rotunda Rumble 2’ event, made possible by D4G Promotions in association with Round 10 Boxing Club and MTK Global at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai.

“I really worked hard for this, and I hope to make the Filipino community proud too,” said Bloushi, whose mother, Winona Bicodo, traces her roots to Dingle, Iloilo, a popular tourist destination in the Philippines.

An accomplished amateur who only took the sport seriously in 2015 and represented the UAE in the Indonesian Asian Games the following year, Bloushi said he has embraced his Filipino lineage with open arms.

“I’ve been to the Philippines like four times. The first time I went was when I was eight years old. The last time was in 2015. I love it there, they are lovely people,” he said, his eyes glowing while reminiscing about wonderful memories.

One of three active UAE pro boxers aside from the popular Majid Al Naqbi and fellow debutant Sultan Al Nuaimi, Bloushi has vowed to put his best foot forward in the stacked event headlined by world-ranked star Jack Catterall.

“I’m excited to get in that ring,” Bloushi said. “I’m thankful that I’m turning pro the right way which is in my hometown. I’m ready to put on a show.”

Also in action on the bill are fast-rising British phenom Thomas Patrick Ward, Pakistani hero Muhammad Waseem, Indian star Vijender Singh, Kazakhstan sensation Abilkhaiyr Shegaliyev and Irish favourite Rohan Date in what can be considered as a global boxing party in the Middle East.

Bloushi, however, is keen on getting a fair share of the spotlight. “My short-term goal is to be the first Emirati to win a world title belt. For long term? To be undisputed in two weight divisions,” he concluded.