Moroccan super featherweight Jaouad Belmehdi, with a record of 19 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws, including 9 by knockout, is at the forefront of the “Rising Stars Arabia” professional boxing series. This initiative is lighting up the boxing world by bringing Arab fighters into the global limelight, pairing seasoned warriors with emerging talents.
This Saturday, Belmehdi is set to clash with Ghana’s unbeaten Alfred Lamptey, who boasts a 13-0 record with 9 KOs, in a gripping 10-round headline fight at the picturesque Yas Links Golf Course in Abu Dhabi, UAE, as part of the third “Rising Stars Arabia” event.
Fans worldwide can catch the action live, with the event being streamed on DAZN and ESPN Knockout, and broadcast on Abu Dhabi Sports TV, starting at 8 p.m. UAEST.
Belmehdi, once the French Lightweight Champion, is riding the momentum of three consecutive victories since his sole professional defeat 1.5 years ago against Gary Culley. His victories against James Chereji, Sebri Sediri, and Meyyl Vegas stand out as career highlights.
Morocco has a rich boxing heritage, having produced world champion Khalid Rahilou and notable fighters like Luis Romero and Lucien Rodriguez, along with rising stars such as Mohammed Rabii and Moussa Gholam, who recently showcased his skills in the “Rising Stars Arabia: The Revolution.”
Belmehdi, who took up boxing at 10 due to his passion for martial arts, draws inspiration from legends like Thomas Hearns, Jean-Baptiste Mendy, and Mike Tyson. He sees representing the Arab world in the ring as both a joy and an honor, aiming for a win that could catapult him up the world rankings and unlock new opportunities.
Facing Lamptey, a formidable opponent with titles like the WBC Youth Silver and WBO Youth under his belt, Belmehdi acknowledges the challenge but is determined to leverage his experience to emerge victorious.
The “Rising Stars Arabia” series, a pioneering boxing event in the UAE and MENA region, enjoys the backing of the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission.
The event also features UAE’s Fahad Al Bloushi against Andres Garcia, Sultan Al Nuaimi versus Eliu Canario, and other promising matchups including Amer Kadhum Ghaneem, Ramy Magdi, and Abdumonem Said in action against their respective opponents.
The fight card is packed with talent, including Egyptian cruiserweight Youssef Karrar and featherweight Mostafa Mohammed Fahmi Komsan, among others, promising a night of thrilling boxing.
Tickets for “Rising Stars Arabia 3,” a collaboration between AAM Seddiqi Sports and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, are available online, with fans able to follow event updates via social media and the organizer’s website.