The extraordinary clash between UAE champion Elias Habib Ali and Britain's Michael Walkling, nicknamed The Banisher, will catch the eye tomorrow, Saturday, in the professional kickboxing tournament at the Etihad Arena, organized by the UAE Muaythai and Kickboxing Federation, in cooperation with the International Federation of the game, with the participation of 28 players representing 18 countries of different categories and weights.

Today, Friday, the stages of medical examination and balance for all participants were completed, which took place at the Yas Rotana Hotel, the residence of the participating international delegations.

The UAE Muaythai and Kickboxing Federation revealed the details of the tournament at a press conference today at Yas Rotana Hotel in the presence of Fahad Al Abdouli, Director of Sports Activities at the Federation of the game, Carlos Raphagli, Director of Business Development and External Relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Chief Financial Officer at the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations, as well as UAE champion Elias Habib Ali and British Michael Walkling.

Al Abdouli stressed that the professional kickboxing championship witnesses the participation of elite professionals from the world, and is held within the activities of the Federation, which constantly aspires to enhance activities and events due to the importance of its role in enhancing the prestigious position of kickboxing in the UAE, which has become a distinguished destination for combat sports champions.

Al Abdouli explained that the tournament is one of the fruits of the directives and support of His Excellency Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the UAE Muaythai and Kickboxing Federation and President of the Arab and Asian Muaythai Federations.

For his part, Carlos Ramjanali expressed his happiness to be in Abu Dhabi, especially that the game enjoys great popularity throughout the Asian continent, in light of the great role played by the UAE Muaythai and Kickboxing Federation and its efforts in supporting and developing the sport.

"We look forward to tomorrow's fights that bring together a mix of experienced stars and the next generation of talent, and we will continue our mission to develop the sport and provide a suitable platform for the stars of the future," he said.

"Since 2018 we have been part of the Olympic family and we hope to achieve our goal of including our sport in the Olympics, as this tournament is an opportunity to showcase the transparency, commitment, and honest practice that our sport and our communities represent, and to create a solid base for future talent."

For his part, Wakling, a three-time winner of the World Championship organized by Infusion, the International Kickboxing Federation and the World Muaythai Council, said he was delighted to be in Abu Dhabi for the first time, playing for the title and showing his abilities, as he trained well over the past days, with great confidence in his abilities to win tomorrow.

Abdel Nasser Moneim / Sami

Source: Emirates News Agency