The Heaviest Fight In Boxing History To Take Place In Dubai

Professional boxing has been making the headlines in Dubai again this week with the visit of world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. The WBC titleholder from England was enjoying some rest and relaxation before diving into what will be a gruelling training camp for the latest defence of his belt against fellow Brit Dillian Whyte.

No date or venue has been decided for that all-British blockbuster as promoters continue to thrash out the details. But that hasn’t stopped fight fans getting excited and making predictions on the winner of Fury v Whyte at major sports betting apps.

It is expected the clash could happen in England at Wembley Stadium while there’s an argument for taking the match global and settling for neutral territory. If the bout does take place outside of the United Kingdom, Dubai is expected to be in the running. Staging such an important event would further boost the stature of Dubai in the sports world while serving as a reminder that the country has the facilities, funds, and support to compete with major European nations on this front.

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Hall v Bjornsson is happening

While the finer details of the world heavyweight championship contest involving Fury and Whyte are still to be settled, one bout from the top division of professional boxing has already been confirmed. The much-anticipated Eddie Hall v Hafthor Bjornsson clash will take place at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on March 19 and will be shown live on television to a global audience. This is a fight that has been a long time in the making and has gathered support and interest with the passing of each day, so it’s a major coup for Dubai to be staging the event. Tickets are already on sale and are expected to go quickly as lovers of the noble art rush to see the outcome.

Promoted as the heaviest fight in boxing history, it pairs two former winners of the World’s Strongest Man competition who have turned their talents to pugilism. There has been no lack of tension between the pair over the years, with many high profile public spats before the rivals agreed to finally settle their differences in the squared circle. The only problem with two huge men learning boxing then building the fitness levels needed to compete was injuries. Both Hall and Thor picked up knocks, and this bout has been postponed more than once.

The original fight date was in September, but Hall suffered a torn bicep in training, and the bout was shelved for five months. Both men deserve credit for sticking to the agreement and their determination to fight in the boxing ring. Following the disappointment of having to move back the date, it would have been easy and even understandable for the strongmen to change their plans. That’s not the case, and on March 19, they will finally meet.

This one has our attention

With the success of YouTuber Jake Paul and Floyd Mayweather fighting UFC star Conor McGregor, boxing is no stranger to these unique matches. Not every celebrity bout is well received by the boxing purists, but there seems to be a real interest in Hall v Thor. The war of words between the two seems more real than most, and the determination from both men to make the fight happen has impressed lovers of the noble art. Hall and Thor have been more willing to face off than many current boxing champions.

Hall is expected to tip the scales at a whopping 157kgs, which is unheard of in a boxing ring, even amongst some of the bigger heavyweights that have fought over the years. Opponent Thor will weigh in at around 145kgs. Those without a strong interest in sport may not know much about Hall, but the chances are they will know Thor from his role as Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane in Game of Thrones. His appearances in the hit TV show means Thor will step between the ropes as the fans’ favourite, with most fans in attendance or watching the fight live on TV cheering on the strongman turned actor.

What will happen in this heavyweight clash? That remains anyone’s guess at this point, but there’s no denying it will prove to be compelling viewing.

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