UAE boxer Fahad Al Bloushi out to make Emirati and Filipino community proud at Rotunda Rumble 2

Al Bloushi – whose mother is of Filipino descent – will make his pro bow at Caesars Palace Bluewaters in Dubai on Friday

UAE's Fahad Al Bloushi will make his pro debut at the ‘Rotunda Rumble 2’ in Dubai on Friday.

UAE boxer Fahad Al Bloushi is on a mission to leave a big impression during his professional debut at the Rotunda Rumble 2, eager to make not just the Emirati population proud but the Filipino community as well.

The 23-year-old fighter – whose mother is of Filipino descent – will make his pro bow during Friday’s event, which is being put together 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, Iloilo, in central Philippines.

Al Bloushi took the sport seriously in 2015 and represented the UAE at the Asian Games in 2018. Al Bloushi said he has embraced his Filipino roots.

“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.

Al Bloushi is one of three active Emirati boxers along with Majid Al Naqbi and Sultan Al-Nuaimi. Al Bloushi wants to put his best foot forward in the event that will be aired live on ESPN+ and will also have renowned Indian boxer Vijender Singh.

“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.”

Al Bloushi has set himself some very challenging goals. “My short term goal is to be the first Emirati to win a world title belt. For long term? To be undisputed in two weight divisions,” he added.

Also in action will be British star Thomas Patrick Ward, Pakistani's Muhammad Waseem, Indian star Vijender, Kazakhstan's Abilkhaiyr Shegaliyev and Irish favorite Rohan Date.

Earlier, Vijender had said he was looking forward to entertaining his fans in Dubai.

“I’m ready to fight in Dubai," Vijender, who has a 11-0 record, said. "For me these fights are going to be a build up to the world title which I am aiming for in 2020. I am sure my debut fight in Dubai is going to be an exciting one and looking forward to a knockout win in the early rounds.”

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