Grassroots Boxing made an electrifying return to Dubai on Saturday, September 20th, with its fourth installment hosted at the iconic venue, The W on the Palm. This event marked a significant moment in the region’s boxing scene, showcasing a dynamic blend of emerging amateur and professional fighters, culminating in two thrilling title bouts that left fans buzzing.
The evening was headlined by exciting championship clashes. Anees Taj emerged victorious to claim the WBC Middle East Cruiserweight title, outpointing Wagdy Attia in a hard-fought contest. On the women’s side, Anahit Aroyan made history by capturing the WBA Bantamweight Continental title after a compelling win over Stumi Muki Paulo. These matches underscored the high stakes and quality of competition that Grassroots Boxing now commands.
This edition of Grassroots Boxing felt like a bold announcement of ambition. The promotion is setting its sights on becoming the Middle East’s premier grassroots boxing platform. VIP attendees such as Nick Ball, Hamzah Sheeraz, and Amir Khan lent the event star power and credibility. Meanwhile, the fight card was broadcast live through IFL TV and Triller, expanding its reach and influence beyond the live audience.
One standout feature was the event’s seamless pacing. Starting at 3 p.m., it provided a perfect Saturday afternoon option without the usual late-night drag. In just two hours, seven amateur bouts unfolded with swift excitement. Following this, eight professional fights maintained a brisk and engaging rhythm, ensuring the crowd stayed energized and entertained throughout the night.
Promoter Jamie Cormack shared insights into the origins and future goals of Grassroots Boxing. His vision was clear: to bridge the gap between emerging and established professional fighters in the region. He noted, “Amateurs tend to draw bigger crowds because they have strong personal networks—friends, colleagues, sports teams—that come to support them.” This strategy has helped the promotion build an enthusiastic fan base, with many spectators staying for the professional card after enjoying the amateur bouts.
Looking ahead, Cormack revealed plans to continue producing around two more shows within the year. He envisions Grassroots Boxing maintaining its role as a platform for amateur and mid-level professionals, while simultaneously developing a larger-scale promotion aimed at showcasing higher-level local pro fights across the UAE. His ambition is to fill a void left since the last high-profile boxing production in the region, aiming to engage a broader diversity of communities, including Pakistani, African, and Filipino fans, thereby enriching the sport’s local culture.
The energy in the venue on Saturday was described by Cormack as “magical.” The atmosphere remained electric from start to finish, and the presence of boxing stars like Hamzah Sheeraz, Nick Ball, and Amir Khan heightened the night’s excitement. Fans flocked to capture moments with these figures, further enhancing the event’s festive vibe. Cormack praised the quality of the matchups, emphasizing that there were no mismatches and that every fight was competitive and entertaining.
Grassroots Boxing also serves as a nurturing ground for late bloomers and new professionals eager to carve out boxing careers. Take Farren Morgan for example, a 31-year-old fighter with a compelling record who recently scored a first-round knockout in Thailand and overcame adversity in his latest bout by rallying from a first-round knockdown to secure a fourth-round stoppage. Morgan’s passion for the sport and connection with the local community shine through his reflections on the event and his determination to grow boxing in Dubai.
Co-promoter and professional boxer Michael Roos exemplifies the dedication behind the scenes. Balancing his legal career in construction dispute resolution with competitive boxing, Roos scored a quick first-round knockout on the night. Starting boxing in early 2021 as a fitness endeavor, he rapidly ascended to the UK top 40 rankings and co-founded the promotion with Cormack to create consistent fight opportunities in the region. His story underscores the inclusive spirit and ambitions driving Grassroots Boxing.
Another fresh face making waves was 19-year-old Mikael Hussain, who notched a third-round TKO in his pro debut while accompanied by his cousin, Hamzah Sheeraz. Hussain described the experience as surreal and one of the best moments of his life, motivated to continue his ascent in the sport with enthusiasm and focus.
In recent years, Dubai’s boxing scene has faced challenges with event consistency and lasting promotions. However, Grassroots Boxing’s targeted approach—listening to the needs of fighters and fans alike, emphasizing competitive matchmaking, community engagement, and accessible scheduling—positions it as a sustainable and rising force poised to transform the Middle Eastern boxing landscape. This event was not just another show; it was a statement of intent signaling the promising future of the sport in the region.
