Dubai boxing event to feature WBC Middle East title bout

Top tier boxing is coming to Dubai later this month with an action-packed show featuring a WBC Middle East title bout and a prize fighter tournament where the winner will walk away with Dhs20,000.

Purse on the Palm by Grassroots Boxing takes place at W Dubai – The Palm on Saturday, September 20, with a stellar card showcasing the very best in the sport, from emerging talents to highly experienced fighters.

The night’s main event, for the WBC Middle East title, sees the UK’s Anees Taj (10-5) take on Egypt’s Wagdy Attia (12-2) in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Taj, 29, goes into the bout having recorded victories in his last three fights, most recently against compatriot Phil Williams in November 2024.

Attia, meanwhile, has lost just once in his previous nine encounters, with the 30-year-old overcoming fellow countryman, Mohamed Gaabary, last time out.

Jamie Cormack, Head of Grassroots Boxing, said: “Purse on the Palm is set to be an electrifying new addition to the boxing calendar, an experience that brings together die-hard fans and casual spectators for a Saturday filled with sport and entertainment.

“Unlike traditional fight nights, the action kicks off in the afternoon, with guests able to enjoy premium brunch packages as the bouts unfold.

“The WBC Middle East title clash between Anees Taj and Wagdy Attia is not to be missed, while the high-stakes prize fighter tournament, with cash on the line, will have the crowd on the edge of their seats from the first bell.”

The card will also feature unbeaten Dubai-based fighter Mikael Husain (8-0), backed by Hamza Sheeraz, who achieved a standout recent victory over Edgar Berlanga in New York.

Sheeraz will be in attendance at Purse on the Palm by Grassroots Boxing, along with world champion Jazza Dickens, who produced a career-best performance to stun Albert Batyrgaziev via fourth-round knockout in July.

The prize fighter tournament will feature eight amateur boxers battling it out to walk away with Dhs20,000, while the beaten finalist will claim Dhs10,000, with knockout bonuses on offer in every contest. Boxing action at the event will be judged by three commission judges, along with three current or ex-world champions.