Moussa Gholam, the Moroccan super featherweight boasting a record of 20-1 with 12 knockouts, is set to take center stage at “Rising Stars Arabia: The Revolution.” This event, presented by AAM Seddiqi Sports and backed by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will unfold on January 13th at the Yas Links Golf Course in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) series stands as a pioneering platform in the UAE and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, dedicated to spotlighting the finest Arab boxing talents for both local and global audiences.
Officially sanctioned by the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission, “Rising Stars Arabia: The Revolution” will be live-streamed on DAZN and ESPN Knockout. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Sports TV will broadcast the event, commencing at 8 p.m. UAEST (11 a.m. EST and 8 a.m. PST).
Ahmed Seddiqi, the promoter, expressed enthusiasm about the forthcoming year for Rising Stars Arabia. He highlighted the anticipation surrounding the participation of world-class boxer Moussa Gholam, alongside other exceptional talents like UAE national Fahad Ali Baloushi, Bader Samreen from Jordan, and Iraq’s Amer Kadhum Ghaneem.
Seddiqi underscored the importance of support from various Arab nationals for their respective fighters, urging attendance at Yas Links Abu Dhabi on January 13th. He credited the event's realization to the partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, and the broadcasting alliances with DAZN and ESPN Knockout.
Gholam, previously ranked No. 14 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), was initially slated to headline the inaugural “Rising Stars Arabia” last September but had to withdraw due to a training camp injury. His return marks a pivotal moment as he aims to establish himself as a prominent figure in Arab boxing during his Middle East debut fight.
The 28-year-old Gholam will face off against South Africa's “Baby” Lunga Sitemela (15-1, 9 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Gholam, a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental and WBC Youth Silver Super Featherweight Champion, will challenge the former South African Super Featherweight Champion in what promises to be an enthralling clash.
The event boasts an array of compelling matchups, including hometown favorite Fahad “Kid Emirati” Al Bloushi (12-1, 2 KOs) facing off against Argentine veteran Milner Marcano (24-12, 20 KOs) in a 10-round co-featured event.
Furthermore, a Special Lightweight Attraction presents Jordan's Bader “The Master” Samreen (9-0, 8 KOs) squaring off against the United Kingdom’s Jeff Ofori (13-5-2, 4 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Samreen, a former amateur medalist, has rapidly ascended in the professional circuit since turning pro in 2021.
The event will feature several other intriguing matches, showcasing rising talents and seasoned contenders across different weight divisions, with the full card subject to potential changes.
AAM Seddiqi Sports, with over a decade of experience in promoting and managing fighters in the region, boasts a stable of more than 30 talented regional and global prospects. The organization has orchestrated five world title shows broadcasted on major networks such as ESPN and Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, DCT Abu Dhabi plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, actively promoting both regional and global sporting events within the emirate.
Tickets for Rising Stars Arabia are available for purchase leading up to the event via https://swiy.co/rsa2. Fans can stay updated on event developments through the AAM Seddiqi Sports Instagram channel @seddiqiboxing and the official website seddiqiboxing.com.