DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Lightweight prospect Fahad Al Bloushi is in high spirits ahead of his highly awaited professional debut, determined to make not only the whole Emirati nation proud but the sizeable Filipino 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 Al Bloushi, whose mother Winona Bicodo, traces her roots to Dingle in the province of Iloilo, one of the more popular tourist destinations in central Philippines.
An accomplished amateur who only took the sport seriously in 2015 and represented United Arab Emirates in the Indonesia Asian Games the following year, Al Bloushi said he has embraced his Filipino lineage with open arms.
“I’ve been to the Philippines 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 wonderful memories.
One of three active UAE pro boxers aside from the popular Majid Al Naqbi and fellow debutant Sultan Al-Nuaimi, Al Bloushi has vowed to put his best foot forward in the stacked event headlined by world-ranked star Jack Catterall and aired live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and on iFL TV worldwide.
“I’m excited to get in that ring,” Al 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 favorite Rohan Date in what can be considered as a global boxing party in the Middle East.
Al 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 the long term? To be undisputed in two weight divisions,” he concluded.
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