Sports

Former world champion Ricky Hatton to make boxing comeback in Dubai against UAE’s Eisa Al Dah

Published

3 weeks ago

July 7, 2025

Michael Gomes

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British boxing icon Ricky Hatton is stepping back into the ring, and he’s doing it in Dubai.

The former world champion has confirmed he will return to professional boxing in a middleweight bout against UAE’s own Eisa Al Dah on December 2, just weeks after turning 47. The highly anticipated fight will take place in Dubai and was officially announced during a promotional event hosted by Al Dah on Sunday.

While Hatton wasn’t physically present at the Dubai announcement, he joined via livestream, explaining that a freak injury, caused by his sunglasses, suffered at the Oasis gig, prevented him from travelling.

“I wish I were there, but I had a little injury to my eye,” Hatton told a British daily.

“It’s one of those freakish things. I caught my sunglasses in my eye. Luckily, there’s no permanent damage, just a surface scrape. Fingers crossed, we’re good to go.”

Hatton, affectionately known as “The Hitman,” was one of the sport’s most beloved figures, having claimed world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight during his career. He last fought professionally in 2012, when he was defeated by Vyacheslav Senchenko in Manchester, a fight that marked his official retirement after a storied run.

Hatton, affectionately known as “The Hitman,” is one of Britain’s most popular ever fighters, having claimed world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight during his career. The Manchester-born boxer is renowned for taking huge swathes of support over to Las Vegas for huge fights against the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Paulie Malignaggi and Manny Pacquiao.

His Dubai comeback against Eisa Al Dah, a respected Emirati fighter who has won eight of his 11 professional bouts, is expected to draw attention from fans across the region and beyond, especially with Dubai’s growing reputation as a global hub for elite sporting events.

“The main thing is the fight will take place, and I can’t wait. I’m looking forward to it.”

With the UAE increasingly becoming a stage for major combat sports, this bout marks another big-ticket fight that puts Dubai in the global boxing spotlight.

Related Topics:Boxing britishboxer Dubai eisaaldah manchesterboxer ricky hatoon the hitman

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Sports

Asia Cup 2025 in UAE: Full schedule, teams, and the big India-Pakistan showdown

Published

2 days ago

July 28, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Cricket fans in the UAE, get ready, the Asia Cup 2025 is heading your way, and the excitement starts on September 9.

The tournament opener will see Afghanistan take on Hong Kong China. Still, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated clash the next day: India vs UAE on September 10, marking the Men in Blue’s first match on Emirati soil in this edition.

Organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the Asia Cup is back for its 17th edition, bringing together eight nations divided into two action-packed groups.

Group A

India
Pakistan
UAE (hosts)
Oman

Group B

Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Afghanistan
Hong Kong China

The big-ticket match everyone is waiting for? India vs Pakistan on September 14. And depending on how the Super 4 and final play out, these two rivals could face off up to three times in the tournament.

Format & Schedule Highlights

Group Stage: September 9 to 19
Super 4s: September 20 to 26
Final: September 28
(All matches start at 6pm UAE time)

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4 round, and the top two from there will battle it out in the final showdown on September 28.

Can India Defend Their Crown?

India enters the Asia Cup 2025 as the defending champions and the most successful team in the tournament’s history, with eight titles to their name. Sri Lanka follows closely with six, while Pakistan have won it twice.

This year’s tournament will be played in the T20 format, making it the perfect build-up to the T20 World Cup in 2026. The last time the Asia Cup was played in T20 format? Sri Lanka stunned Pakistan in 2022 to take the trophy.

Mark These Matches on Your Calendar:

Sep 10: India vs UAE
Sep 12: Pakistan vs Oman
Sep 14: India vs Pakistan (don’t miss this!)
Sep 17: Pakistan vs UAE
Sep 19: India vs Oman
Sep 28: Asia Cup Final

With high stakes, regional pride, and potential rivalries reignited, Asia Cup 2025 promises fireworks in the UAE, on and off the pitch.

News

DP World ILT20 donates tournament gear to children in Madagascar through Gulf for Good partnership

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2 weeks ago

July 16, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is extending its impact well beyond the cricket pitch, to Madagascar, where children are now proudly wearing official ILT20 merchandise from last season, thanks to a charitable partnership with Gulf for Good, a UAE-based non-profit.

As part of its CSR initiative, the ILT20 has donated over 500 pieces of branded merchandise to children in need through Gulf for Good’s Outreach Programme. The initiative is part of a broader effort to support education and community development projects around the world, with over 2,000 children expected to benefit in the long run.

“This initiative is all about making a small contribution to a much bigger cause,” said David White, CEO of DP World ILT20.
“We’re proud to call the UAE our home, a country that is globally recognised for its generosity. As the region’s biggest cricket league, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond the field.”

Looking ahead: ILT20 Season 4 set for UAE National Day launch

The DP World ILT20 Season 4 will return in style this winter, kicking off with a blockbuster opening on UAE National Day (December 2) and wrapping up with the grand final on January 4, 2026. The six-team, 34-match tournament continues to grow in popularity, drawing international stars and thousands of fans from across the region.

Sports

FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket applications to open on September 10

Published

2 weeks ago

July 16, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Football fans, mark your calendars: FIFA has announced that the first ticket application phase for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will open on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

The tournament, set to be the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.

With demand expected to be massive, FIFA is urging fans around the world to pre-register at FIFA.com/tickets and create a FIFA ID now to be ready for the draw.

“These will be the most coveted seats in world sport,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We’re excited to welcome the world back to North America for what will be the greatest sporting event ever.”

Key tournament dates

Opening match: Thursday, June 11, 2026 – Mexico City
Final match: Sunday, July 19, 2026 – New York/New Jersey

The announcement follows the success of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, also hosted in the U.S., which drew nearly 2.5 million fans across 11 cities, a strong preview of what fans can expect in 2026.

What fans can expect

48 national teams competing
Matches across 3 countries and multiple cities
6.5 million fans expected to attend
First ticket draw opens September 10, 2025

Whether you’re planning a summer trip or simply want to be part of football history, now’s the time to act. Register your interest and get ready to secure your place for what’s set to be a truly unforgettable tournament