Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College

Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
1 / 13
Saturday’s relaunch of Boxing Magazine was attended by prominent figures from the boxing community, sports media, and entertainment industry. (AN photo by Bahar Hussain)
Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
2 / 13
Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
3 / 13
Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
4 / 13
Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
5 / 13
Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
6 / 13
Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
7 / 13
Daniel Dubois having a chat with media ahead of the relaunch event. (AN photo by Bahar Hussain)
Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
8 / 13
Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
9 / 13
Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
10 / 13
Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
11 / 13
Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
12 / 13
Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
13 / 13
Short Url
Updated 12 January 2025
Follow

Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College

Boxing Magazine relaunch: A historic celebration at London’s Old Royal Naval College
  • First published in the 1920s, Boxing Magazine has cemented its reputation as the definitive source of news, analysis, and profiles in the world of boxing
  • “This magazine is more than a publication; it is a bridge between tradition and modernity," says Saudi entertainment authority chief, the man behind the acquisition of the mag 

LONDON: The historic Old Royal Naval College was the perfect backdrop for a momentous occasion: the relaunch of Boxing Magazine, a publication steeped in tradition and renowned for its in-depth coverage of the sweet science.

Established in 1922, Boxing Magazine has chronicled the evolution of boxing for more than a century, becoming a trusted voice for fans and insiders alike.

Now, under the stewardship of Turki Al-Alshaikh, adviser to the Saudi Royal Court and head of the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, the magazine is poised for a bold new era.

First published in the early 20th century, Boxing Magazine quickly cemented its reputation as the definitive source of news, analysis and profiles in the world of boxing. Over the decades, it has covered legendary bouts, celebrated champions, and documented the sport’s growth on a global scale. From the roaring 1920s to the digital age, the magazine has adapted to changing times while maintaining its commitment to quality journalism.

Saturday’s relaunch event was a tribute to this legacy, with guests including prominent figures from the boxing community, sports media, and entertainment industry. Attendees marveled at an exclusive exhibition of iconic magazine covers and memorabilia, offering a nostalgic journey through boxing’s storied past. Al-AlShaikh, who attended the event, highlighted the magazine’s potential to unite global boxing enthusiasts.

Visionary leadership

The acquisition of Boxing Magazine by Al-AlShaikh is a significant turning point for the publication. Known for his transformative work as GEA head, Al-Alshaikh has been instrumental in fostering cultural and sporting advances in the Kingdom. His presence at the event underscored his commitment to elevating the magazine’s profile and broadening its global reach.

In his remarks, Al-AlShaikh emphasized his passion for boxing and the role of sport in bridging cultures. “This magazine is more than a publication; it is a bridge between tradition and modernity, a testament to the enduring power of sport to inspire and unite,” he said.

As part of the event, special awards were presented to recognize outstanding achievements in the boxing world. Billy Dib was honored with The Ring Comeback of the Year award, while Daniel Dubois received The Ring Knockout of the Year award for his stunning KO of Anthony Joshua.

Saudi Vision 2030

The relaunch of Boxing Magazine aligns seamlessly with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious blueprint for economic and cultural transformation. By investing in global cultural and sporting assets, Saudi Arabia aims to establish itself as a hub for innovation, creativity and entertainment. The reinvigoration of a historic brand like Boxing Magazine reflects this commitment, showing how tradition and progress can harmonize.

Under Al-AlShaikh’s leadership, the magazine is expected to expand its reach to new audiences, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, regions where boxing is experiencing rapid growth. Plans include bilingual editions, interactive digital platforms, a dedicated app, and printed versions of the magazine. These initiatives aim to celebrate boxing’s heritage while nurturing its future.

Bright future ahead

As Boxing Magazine enters this exciting new chapter, its relaunch at the Old Royal Naval College symbolizes the enduring appeal of boxing as a sport and cultural phenomenon. With Al-AlShaikh at the helm, the magazine is well positioned to honor its storied past while embracing the opportunities of the future.

For boxing enthusiasts and casual readers alike, the relaunch promises a revitalized publication that stays true to its roots while setting new standards in sports journalism. With its rich history and visionary leadership, Boxing Magazine is poised to remain a cornerstone of the boxing world for generations to come.


Fire breaks out ahead of Man City’s Champions League match against Brugge

Fire breaks out ahead of Man City’s Champions League match against Brugge
Updated 29 January 2025
Follow

Fire breaks out ahead of Man City’s Champions League match against Brugge

Fire breaks out ahead of Man City’s Champions League match against Brugge
  • Security staff had cordoned off the area and kept supporters away

MANCHESTER: A fire broke out at a concession stand outside Manchester City’s stadium ahead of the team’s Champions League match against Brugge on Wednesday.
Videos shared online showed large flames and smoke coming from the stand, located near the players’ entrance at the Etihad Stadium.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but the smell of smoke remained in the air for some time afterward as supporters waited to be let inside.
Security staff had cordoned off the area and kept supporters away.
City play Brugge in a must-win game as the new-look league phase of the Champions League reaches its conclusion.
The 2023 champion City are 25th in the standings. They need to win to secure a place in the playoffs for the round of 16.


French police arrest Feyenoord fans at the border ahead of Champions League match in Lille

French police arrest Feyenoord fans at the border ahead of Champions League match in Lille
Updated 29 January 2025
Follow

French police arrest Feyenoord fans at the border ahead of Champions League match in Lille

French police arrest Feyenoord fans at the border ahead of Champions League match in Lille
  • 86 fans of the Dutch team have been refused entry to France and that 30 have been arrested
  • Police officers seized pyrotechnic devices and various objects

LILLE, France: Dozens of Feyenoord fans banned from traveling to Lille for a Champions League game between the two clubs have been turned away or arrested at the border, French authorities said Wednesday.
The Prefecture du Nord, which represents the French state in the Lille region, said 86 fans of the Dutch team have been refused entry to France and that 30 have been arrested.
Police officers seized pyrotechnic devices and various objects that could be used as weapons during their checks, the prefecture said.
France’s interior ministry said the travel ban was introduced because of a “real and serious risk of confrontation” between fans of the two teams ahead of Wednesday’s match at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
The French authorities said Feyenoord’s travels are often marred by “public order disturbances due to the violent behavior of certain supporters or individuals claiming to be supporters of this team,” and they cited several examples of fan violence.
In May 2022, there were violent clashes in France between Marseille and Feyenoord fans outside the Stade Velodrome stadium before their Europa Conference League semifinal game.
There were also violent clashes in Lille city center when the club played Bulgarian side Levski Sofia in the Europa League in 2010.


Man City and PSG face unexpected early exit from Champions League in dramatic round of 18 games

Man City and PSG face unexpected early exit from Champions League in dramatic round of 18 games
Updated 29 January 2025
Follow

Man City and PSG face unexpected early exit from Champions League in dramatic round of 18 games

Man City and PSG face unexpected early exit from Champions League in dramatic round of 18 games
  • Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain each faces a shocking early exit from the Champions League for the first time in more than a decade
  • Man City starts against Club Brugge outside the top-24 places that advance to the knockout stage

GENEVA: Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain each faces a shocking early exit from the Champions League for ,the first time in more than a decade when the final round of games Wednesday decide the new 36-team standings.
When the 18 games kick off at the same time, 9 p.m. Central European Time (2000 GMT), to complete the inaugural league-phase format, Man City is outside the top-24 places that advance to the knockout stage and 22nd-place PSG risks dropping out.
Man City must beat Club Brugge at home to rise safely from 25th place. A draw for PSG at 24th-place Stuttgart should be enough for both teams — barring a freakish big win for Dinamo Zagreb over AC Milan to take the tiebreaker on goal difference among teams that end on 11 points.
A PSG loss in Germany risks ending a run of 12 straight years playing in the knockout stage.
The final-day jeopardy also was unexpected for Man City, the Champions League winner two years ago, which let a two-goal lead slip in a 4-2 loss at PSG last week.
The English Premier League champion advanced 11 years in a row from the old group stage since going winless in the 2012-13 edition.
It is the kind of scenario Champions League organizer UEFA hoped for when approving the new format under severe pressure from storied clubs who demanded more lucrative games and more of them against high-end opponents.
Those same influential clubs — including the super-wealthy state-backed pair of Man City and PSG — hardly imagined they would miss out on the knockout phase that brings global brand-building attention and tens of millions of euros in extra prize money from UEFA.
Real Madrid had to play just 13 games to win the Champions League last season, and now faces playing 17 to retain the title.
Madrid is 16th in the standings before going to play unheralded Brest after losing three of its seven games, including on its previous trip to France against Lille.
The record 15-time European champion can still rise to a top-8 finish — earning direct entry to the round of 16 in March — by beating 13th-place Brest, though needs other results to go its way.
Teams that finish from ninth to 24th enter Friday’s draw for the two-leg knockout playoffs played on back-to-back midweeks in February.
That shapes as an unwanted burden in the congested calendar for teams also chasing domestic titles, rather than bonus games to earn more revenue.
Bundesliga leader Bayern Munich is in 15th place, also on 12 points with Madrid, before hosting Slovan Bratislava, which has been overmatched losing seven straight games.
A 15-point tally, with a strong goal difference, could be enough to take eighth place currently held by Bayer Leverkusen, which heads a group of six teams on 13 points. Leverkusen hosts already eliminated Sparta Prague.
Bayern and Madrid can be helped by the tough schedule for teams ahead in the standings: Atalanta in seventh goes to Barcelona, 10th-place Monaco is at Inter Milan, while Lille and Feyenoord — 12th vs 11th — cannot both reach 15 points.
League-leading Liverpool has let most star players skip the trip to 19th-place PSV Eindhoven because it is one of the few teams with certainty.
Seven wins guaranteed Liverpool a top-two seeding in the tennis-like bracket for the knockout rounds. That draw will be made Feb. 21 after the playoffs round, setting up pairings through to the May 31 final in Munich.
Only Liverpool and Barcelona have already sealed their top-8 places, though Arsenal and Inter — both on 16 points — likely will join them. Atletico Madrid and Milan start Wednesday’s games on 15 points.


85 athletes to represent UAE at Asian youth jiu-jitsu tournaments

85 athletes to represent UAE at Asian youth jiu-jitsu tournaments
Updated 29 January 2025
Follow

85 athletes to represent UAE at Asian youth jiu-jitsu tournaments

85 athletes to represent UAE at Asian youth jiu-jitsu tournaments
  • Delegation includes 20 athletes competing in the U-14 division, 65 athletes in youth categories

ABU DHABI: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has said that 85 Emirati athletes will take part in the 2025 Asian Jiu-Jitsu Cup (U-14) and the 2025 Asian Jiu-Jitsu Youth Championship.

The events will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from Feb. 13-15.

The Emirati delegation includes 20 athletes competing in the U14 division and 65 athletes in youth categories.

In 2024, Abu Dhabi hosted the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Youth Championship, where the UAE national team excelled with an impressive haul of 41 medals, including 11 gold, eight silver and 22 bronze.

Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the federation, said: “The Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship is one of the most prestigious events we participate in every year, showcasing the UAE’s leadership in the sport across the continent. It also provides a key platform to evaluate the progress of our youth athletes and their readiness to excel on the global stage.

“Youth competitions are central to the federation’s strategy, as they represent the future of jiu-jitsu in the UAE. We remain dedicated to identifying and nurturing young talent through world-class training and coaching programs.”

Pedro Damasceno, UAE national team coach, said: “We have carefully assembled a strong team, blending experienced athletes with fresh talent. The team is following an intensive training program and is fully committed to performing at its best in the upcoming championships.

“The athletes are showing great confidence and dedication, and we look forward to seeing them shine on the continental stage once again.”


Maxey leads 76ers past Lakers, surging Rockets hold off Hawks

Maxey leads 76ers past Lakers, surging Rockets hold off Hawks
Updated 29 January 2025
Follow

Maxey leads 76ers past Lakers, surging Rockets hold off Hawks

Maxey leads 76ers past Lakers, surging Rockets hold off Hawks

LOS ANGELES: Tyrese Maxey scored 43 points to lead the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers to a 118-104 NBA victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday as the surging Houston Rockets pulled off a tense 100-96 win over Atlanta.

With Joel Embiid missing his 12th straight game and Paul George sidelined with a finger injury, Maxey stepped up and the Sixers won their third straight.

The defeat halted the Lakers’ four-game winning streak, which featured a victory over reigning champions Boston. Worse, star Anthony Davis exited in the first quarter with an abdominal strain.

The Lakers were up 20-17 when Davis — fresh off a 42-point, 23-rebound performance in Charlotte on Monday — departed and they struggled defensively in his absence.

The 76ers outscored them 48-32 in the second quarter and led 73-57 at halftime.

LeBron James scored 31 points with eight rebounds and nine assists but said 22 turnovers were too many to overcome.

“When your best player goes out it’s always challenging,” James said, but added: “We’ve just got to be better.

“We had too many turnovers tonight that resulted in too many buckets for them. You can’t make mistake after mistake after mistake.”

James, the league’s all-time leading scorer, had one steal to move into sixth place on the all-time steals list with 2,311.

In Atlanta, Jalen Green scored 25 points for the Rockets, who fended off a late Hawks surge to post a fourth straight win.

Coming off three big victories — two straight over Eastern Conference leaders Cleveland and a 114-112 victory on Monday over Boston, the Rockets delivered another gritty performance.

Green’s steal and layup pushed Houston’s lead to 96-80 with 5:16 to play. But Atlanta sliced the deficit to 98-96 with less than a minute remaining.

DeAndre Hunter had a chance to put the Hawks in front but missed a three-pointer and Alperen Sengun sealed the victory with a dunk.

Sengun finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds and Jae’Sean Tate added 16 points off the bench for Houston.

Trae Young scored 21 for Atlanta, who dropped their sixth straight.