‘Latino Night’ to feature WBA and WBO cruiserweight world championship unification battle between Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and Chris Billam-Smith

‘Latino Night’ to feature WBA and WBO cruiserweight world championship unification battle between Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and Chris Billam-Smith
The event, “Latino Night,” will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Nov. 16. (Supplied)
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Updated 11 September 2024
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‘Latino Night’ to feature WBA and WBO cruiserweight world championship unification battle between Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and Chris Billam-Smith

‘Latino Night’ to feature WBA and WBO cruiserweight world championship unification battle between Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and Chris Billam-Smith

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season and Golden Boy Promotions announced an inaugural show as part of the broader partnership. The event, “Latino Night,” will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Nov. 16.

Scheduled to be one of the biggest celebrations of Latino boxing talent, “Latino Night” will see the history-making WBA cruiserweight world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs) of Mazatlan, Mexico, in hot pursuit of becoming undisputed in the division. His first step will be challenging WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs) of Surrey, UK, who is coming off the heels of three straight title defenses.

Ramirez left his mark in the sport as the first Mexican to become a super middleweight and cruiserweight world champion and will be looking to take over the cruiserweight division. Billam-Smith is an English professional boxer who has held the WBO cruiserweight title since 2023 and has held the European, British, and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles between 2019 and 2022.

In the co-main event, former US Olympian and unified champion Jose Ramirez (29-1, 18 KOs) of Fresno, California, will face the undefeated title contender and currently No. 1 WBO-ranked Arnold Barboza Jr. (30-0, 11 KOs) of Los Angeles, California, in a 12-round WBO super lightweight world title eliminator fight.

Also on the card, the unstoppable knockout machine, William “El Camaron” Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, will challenge former American IBF world champion Tevin “2X” Farmer (33-6-1, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a 10-round lightweight fight. In association with Miguel Cotto Promotions and defending his WBO Minimumweight World Championship for the fourth time, the history-making Puerto Rican Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (10-0, 7 KOs) of Villalba, Puerto Rico, will measure up against Queretaro, Mexico’s Edwin “Canito” Cano (13-2-1, 4 KOs) in a 12-round world title bout. Opening the historic show with a 12-round WBA super lightweight eliminator fight, Chihuahua, Mexico’s Oscar “La Migrana” Duarte (27-2-1, 22 KOs) will face No. 1 WBA-ranked Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (21-2-1, 8 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois.

Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, said: “We are looking forward to staging our first event as part of our partnership with Golden Boy Promotions with ‘Latino Night.’ This card features some of the best Latino fighters around and continues our drive to deliver top-tier boxing events by giving fans throughout the world the fights they want to see.”

Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions said: “His Excellency and I have the exact same vision — to match the best versus the best for the fans of our sport. From a world championship unification fight to battles between former champions and on-the-rise contenders to a stacked undercard of prospects, this show will feature everything great that boxing has to offer.”

Philip Button, chief business officer at Golden Boy Promotions said: “We are excited to partner with Riyadh Season to promote Latino Night and further expand Golden Boy’s business globally.”

Ben Shalom, founder and CEO of BOXXER, said: “Riyadh Season continues to deliver the very best matches at the top of the sport, and we are delighted to be working with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions to present another epic fight as co-promoters of this huge cruiserweight world title unification battle. Gilberto Ramirez is a great champion, but Chris Billam-Smith will be coming full of confidence and ready to unify the division.”

Ramirez, WBA cruiserweight world champion, said: “I’m excited to make this fight happen with Chris Billam-Smith. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m looking forward to becoming the unified champion in this division. I’ve always said this was my division (cruiserweight), and I’m happy for the opportunity to showcase my skills at this level on a global stage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It’s truly an honor to be a Mexican warrior and to showcase what true Mexican boxing is all about while bringing my culture to a global audience. Additionally, I hope to be the bridge between Mexico and Saudi Arabia, making both sides proud. I would like to give a special thanks to my team, 3 Point Management, Golden Boy Promotions, Riyadh Season, the WBA, WBO, and everyone else involved in making this happen.”

Alalshikh has also confirmed that “Latino Night” will be broadcast for free globally. Further details of where to watch this card will follow.

Riyadh Season brings together world-class art, music, food, theater and a wide array of a diverse set of events to the capital of Saudi Arabia for an unparalleled winter entertainment experience.


Commando Group takes early lead at Abu Dhabi World Amateur Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Commando Group takes early lead at Abu Dhabi World Amateur Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Updated 11 November 2024
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Commando Group takes early lead at Abu Dhabi World Amateur Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Commando Group takes early lead at Abu Dhabi World Amateur Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • Event is part of ongoing 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi World Amateur Jiu-Jitsu Championship got underway on Sunday at Mubadala Arena, as a part of the ongoing 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

At the end of the first day, the UAE’s Commando Group took the lead in the medal table, with Kazakhstan’s National Team in second and Brazil’s Checkmat International in third.

For the first time, the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship has dedicated two days to amateur competitions.

The first day focused on adult amateurs (aged 18 and above) with white and blue belts, while the second day will feature the master category (over 30) for the same belt levels.

Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al-Khaili, chairman of the Department of Community Development, said the championship reflects the support of the nation’s leaders.

They have recognized the sport’s “role in building character and promoting discipline, self-confidence and teamwork, which are the qualities essential for a strong and united society.”

He added: “With thousands of athletes from around the world, including 60 percent from outside the country, the championship highlights its global status and confirms the UAE’s leading role in developing jiu-jitsu on the international stage.”

Mohamed Hussein Al-Marzouqi, director of marketing and corporate communications at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and director of the championship, said that adding two days for amateurs was aimed at accommodating a growing number of athletes.

“It provides a unique opportunity for jiu-jitsu enthusiasts of all ages to test their skills and showcase their abilities in a competitive environment, enhancing their experience and developing their skills, while allowing them to experience a professional championship atmosphere and connect with athletes worldwide.”

“This step highlights the inclusive nature of jiu-jitsu as a sport for everyone, regardless of age or ability, showing that anyone can start practicing it at any time and benefit from its many benefits.”


Champions crowned at Inaugural Dubai Premier Padel P1

Champions crowned at Inaugural Dubai Premier Padel P1
Updated 11 November 2024
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Champions crowned at Inaugural Dubai Premier Padel P1

Champions crowned at Inaugural Dubai Premier Padel P1
  • Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia take men’s title with win over Federico Chingotto and Alejandro Galan at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
  • Bea Gonzalez and Delfina Brea Senesi beat Alejandra Alonso De Villa and Andrea Ustero Prieto to lift women’s trophy

DUBAI: The men’s and women’s champions of the inaugural Dubai Premier Padel P1 were crowned on Sunday night at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, presented the trophies to Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia, and Bea Gonzalez and Delfina Brea Senesi, as the men’s and women’s champions, respectively.

The awards ceremony took place on the center court of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, ending a week of action for a prize pool of over $510,000.

The emirate’s first Premier Padel P1 tournament, organized by Dubai-based Gallop Global, was a collaborative effort supported by the UAE Padel Association, the International Padel Federation, the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Sports Council, and Premier Padel.

Coello and Tapia clinched the men’s trophy with a 6-4, 6-3 score over Federico Chingotto and Alejandro Galan in front of a passionate crowd of more than 5,000 spectators.

Having racked up 30 consecutive wins before the Dubai victory, world No. 1 Coello said: “We keep focusing on every challenge one by one and the wins keep tallying up.

“We are aware that every match is difficult, so we just try to keep focus on every match. It feels fantastic to win in Dubai, a special city and special tournament.”

Meanwhile, Gonzalez and Brea Senesi reigned supreme in the women’s draw with a 6-2, 6-3 victory. Brea Senesi was unable to attend the post-match press conference owing to sickness, and partner Gonzalez said she was surprised with her own performance.

“It was unexpected to play at this level, especially so soon after returning from injury,” said Gonzalez. “It has been a long period of recovery which has meant a lack of competition, so I’m very happy for Delfina and myself to win this tournament.”

“We thank His Highness Sheikh Mansoor for both his patronage and for his unwavering support of padel in Dubai,” said Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al-Maktoum, the UAE padel body’s president, in a press statement.

“In addition to congratulating our champions, Arturo, Agustin, Bea and Delfina, for their historic and dramatic success at the debut of Premier Padel in Dubai, we hope this milestone event will serve as another springboard to encourage the next generation of homegrown champions to pick up the sport.”

Saeed Mohammed Hareb, secretary-general of the Dubai Sports Council, added: “In a city renowned for hosting major international sporting events, the Dubai Premier Padel P1 has established instant credentials as a truly world-class event in every metric.

“Bringing the world and region’s best male and female players to Dubai only serves as a catalyst for the prosperity of our society and the growth of the sport in the emirate. Congratulations again to Premier Padel, our champions, the organizers, and to Dubai.”


Paul Waring claims Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship trophy

Paul Waring claims Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship trophy
Updated 11 November 2024
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Paul Waring claims Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship trophy

Paul Waring claims Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship trophy
  • Englishman posted a bogey-free closing 66 as he got to 24 under-par, 2 shots ahead of 4-time Rolex Series winner Tyrrell Hatton

ABU DHABI: Paul Waring held off a stellar chasing pack on Sunday to win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and claim his first Rolex Series title.

The Englishman displayed nerves of steel in his bogey-free closing 66 as he got to 24 under-par and two shots ahead of four-time Rolex Series winner Tyrrell Hatton.

Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy, England’s Matt Wallace and Dane Thorbjorn Olesen ended a shot further back.

“It just hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Waring. “Obviously I still think I’ve got to go and do something else or got to go play another hole or something because I kind of never let myself think that I was over the line at any point. I always knew there was a job to be done and work to be done as I was playing.”

Waring had taken control of the first event of the new DP World Tour Play-Offs with a course-record 61 at Yas Links on Friday but saw his five-shot halfway lead reduced to one as he posted 73 a day later.

The 39-year-old, whose only previous DP World Tour title came at the Nordea Masters more than six years ago, made a fast start with two opening birdies and added two more at the seventh and 10th.

He responded to being caught by Hatton with a moment of magic as he converted from 12 meters at the 17th, before hitting a perfect drive at the last, running a three-wood through the back of the green and getting up and down to seal victory.

“That was massive (on the 17th),” said Waring. “Me and my caddie, we had a look at the lines, to be fair, we really fancied it, really, really fancied it, and as soon as it left the blade, I knew it was in.

“I know that sounds a bit cocky or whatever, but it was so pure. I knew it was dead middle as soon as I hit it, and I was just absolutely buzzing to see that go.”

“It’s my second win,” he added. “I’ve been knocking on the door a few times. I had a few seconds. I’ve been in and around a few times. To get over the line again is fantastic, and to control it the way I have as well, especially today. I thought I might have let it slip yesterday.”

McIlroy, the four-time Major winner, had the chance to take an unassailable lead in the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, as he birdied four of his first six holes.

He bogeyed the fifth and added five more gains to sign for a 64, but the Race continues into the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

This comes after closest challenger Thriston Lawrence recorded two eagles and four birdies in his round of 64 to get to 20 under, and a tie for sixth alongside two-time Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winner Tommy Fleetwood, and French pair Ugo Coussaud and Antoine Rozner.

“I do feel in a good position,” said McIlroy. “I saw Thriston making a charge today, and I was keeping one eye on the leaderboard and looking at what he was doing. I saw he posted 20.

“Obviously I wanted to birdie the last, anyway, but I know that birdie, even if it isn’t to win the tournament this week, it obviously gives me that little bit extra of a cushion going into next week.

“Every shot counts at this moment in time, and I was glad to make the four at the last and at least give myself half a chance at this tournament this week. But also give myself a little bit more of a cushion going into Dubai next week as well.”


Celtics defeat Bucks despite big night for ‘child’ Giannis

Celtics defeat Bucks despite big night for ‘child’ Giannis
Updated 11 November 2024
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Celtics defeat Bucks despite big night for ‘child’ Giannis

Celtics defeat Bucks despite big night for ‘child’ Giannis
  • Celtics survive Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 43-point performance for the Bucks
  • The Bucks led 69-58 at half-time but the Celtics grabbed a 87-84 edge entering the fourth quarter

LOS ANGELES, United States: Jayson Tatum delivered 31 points and 12 rebounds to spark the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics over Milwaukee 113-107 on Sunday despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 43-point performance for the Bucks.
The Celtics improved to 9-2, two games behind unbeaten Cleveland in the Eastern Conference, while the host Bucks slid to 2-8.
Payton Pritchard scored 18 points off the Boston bench while Derrick White and former Buck Jrue Holiday each scored 15 points and Jaylen Brown added 14 for the Celtics.
“Team effort,” Holiday said. “It’s not easy doing it by yourself. We did it collectively.”
Greek star Antetokounmpo also grabbed 13 rebounds and elbowed Brown to the floor at one point, then offered a hand to help him up only to pull it away when Brown reached for it.
“Giannis is a child,” Brown said afterward. “I’m just focused on helping my team get a win.”
The win eased the memory of two lopsided Boston losses in Milwaukee last season.
“It’s nice,” Holiday said. “We got blown out twice last year so getting this win here with my family in the building is awesome.”
The Bucks led 69-58 at half-time but the Celtics grabbed a 87-84 edge entering the fourth quarter and closed with a 9-5 run to seal the triumph, Tatum scoring seven in the crucial stretch.
“We just picked up the intensity,” Holiday said of the third-quarter rally. “We came out, hit shots, not getting too ahead of ourselves and getting back to Celtics basketball.”
In a showdown of Western Conference contenders, Golden State’s Stephen Curry scored 36 points, hitting 7-of-13 3-point shots, to lead the Warriors in a 127-116 victory at Oklahoma City that left both clubs 8-2.
The Thunder, led by 24 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, lost star big man Chet Holmgren in the first quarter with a right hip injury after a fall and being helped off the court.
At Minneapolis, Tyler Herro scored 26 points and reserve Nikola Jovic made a game-winning 3-point play with 7.1 seconds remaining to give Miami a 95-94 victory at Minnesota.
Jaden McDaniels tipped in a 3-point miss by Mike Conley with nine seconds remaining to give the Timberwolves a 94-92 lead, but Jovic answered with a layup and free throw for the deciding points.
Conley missed a final 3-point shot to seal Miami’s triumph, which snapped a three-game Heat losing skid and three-game T-Wolves win streak.
In another late thriller, Michael Porter’s basket with 6.1 seconds remaining gave the Denver Nuggets a 122-120 home victory over Dallas.
Three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic had a triple double with 37 points, 18 rebounds and 15 assists to lead Denver while Kyrie Irving scored a game-high 43 points for the Mavericks.
With star forward Kevin Durant out due to a left calf strain, the Phoenix Suns fell to 8-2 with a 127-118 overtime loss to visiting Sacramento.
Keegan Murray tipped in a missed shot by DeMar DeRozan with 3.2 seconds remaining to give the Kings a 111-110 lead but Devin Booker’s free throw lifted the Suns level to force overtime.
DeRozan, who had a game-high 34 points, scored eight consecutive points for a 119-113 Kings edge and the Suns never led again, De’Aaron Fox scoring the last six in overtime.
Bradley Beal scored 28 to lead Phoenix, whose win streak ended at seven.
The NBA-worst Philadelphia 76ers outlasted visiting Charlotte for a 107-105 overtime victory, improving to 2-7 on the season.
LaMelo Ball’s 3-pointer with eight seconds remaining lifted Charlotte level at 97-97 to force overtime.
In overtime, Charlotte’s Grant Williams made a free throw with 0.1 of a second remaining and missed the next in hopes of a game-tying tip-in, but the 76ers grabbed the rebound to win.
At Indianapolis, Bennedict Mathurin scored 38 points and Tyrese Haliburton added 35 points and 14 assists to lead the Indiana Pacers over New York 132-121.
Orlando, meanwhile, had 23 points from Franz Wagner in a 121-94 home rout of Washington while Houston edged host Detroit 101-99 behind Alperen Sengun’s 27 points and Memphis routed host Portland 134-89.


3rd-place Nottingham Forest face home defeat to Newcastle

3rd-place Nottingham Forest face home defeat to Newcastle
Updated 11 November 2024
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3rd-place Nottingham Forest face home defeat to Newcastle

3rd-place Nottingham Forest face home defeat to Newcastle
  • Man Utd win to end Van Nistelrooy’s interim spell; Ipswich shock Spurs

LONDON: Third-placed Nottingham Forest’s fine run came to an end in a 3-1 home defeat to Newcastle on Sunday. 
Forest had won three games in a row to sit just behind Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table and their dream run looked set to continue at the City Ground.
Murillo’s towering header from Anthony Elanga’s free kick opened the scoring.
But Newcastle hit back strongly after half time.
Alexander Isak’s fourth goal in as many games began the fightback.
Joelinton then curled in a sensational strike from the edge of the box before Harvey Barnes sealed the three points that lifts the Magpies into eighth.
Arsenal and Chelsea both start the day 10 points behind leaders Liverpool and in desperate need of a win if they are to challenge for the title.
Captain Martin Odegaard starts for the first time in two months for Arsenal, who are aiming to snap a three-game winless streak in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Manchester United signed off Ruud van Nistelrooy’s temporary stint in charge with a 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday as Ipswich stunned Tottenham 2-1 for their first Premier League victory in 22 years.
Ipswich will play host to Amorim’s first match in two weeks and go into that game buoyed by their first win since ending a two-decade wait to return to the top flight.
Spurs were finally made to pay for their slow starts at home as they went behind for the 13th time in 15 Premier League games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2024.
Sammie Szmodics took advantage of statuesque Tottenham defending to open the scoring with an overhead kick on 31 minutes.
Liam Delap doubled the visitors’ lead in far less spectacular fashion as he lashed in from point-blank range after Radu Dragusin directed a cross toward his own goal.
Spurs had come back to win in eight of the previous 12 matches they conceded first at home this year but this time left themselves with too much to do.
Rodrigo Bentancur reduced the arrears with a powerful header from Pedro Porro’s corner but they fell to a fifth league defeat in 11 games.
Ipswich move out of the relegation zone at Crystal Palace’s expense, while Spurs slip to 10th.
Elsewhere, in Italian football, Atalanta moved level with Serie A leaders Napoli on Sunday after coming back from a goal down to beat spirited Udinese 2-1 and continue an unlikely title bid.