LONDON — Popular British boxer Amir Khan and global sporting phenomenon Amir Khan will make history when he locks horns with Indian boxing sensation Neeraj Goyat in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on July 12, 2019.

Khan, who is two-time world champion and Olympic silver medalist, and described as “the biggest Muslim personality in sport since Muhammad Ali,” Khan will become the first high-profile Muslim boxer to showcase his skills at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah — nicknamed the “The Shining Jewel” in a fight that promises to elevate the Kingdom as a major sporting attraction.

The fight is an important event taking place during Saudi Seasons (June 8 to July 19) which aims to transform the Kingdom into one of the most important tourist destinations in the world.

Khan’s rival Goyat is a phenomenon in his home country. Hailing from Chandigarh, Goyat is a pioneer in helping to establish professional boxing in India. He left behind a highly successful amateur career to pursue his dream of becoming a professional boxer and show the world that India can be a new super-power in world boxing.

Amir Khan said, “This is an exciting challenge that I have ahead of me. It will be the first time a British Pakistani will fight an Indian boxer, which eventually will bring the two nations together. I would like to thank the Saudi government and General Sports Authority for giving me this opportunity and I’m a firm believer in sport being a great healer.”

Neeraj Goyat said, “This opportunity is as big as it gets for me. Everything that I have achieved to date wouldn’t matter when I enter the ring on July 12 taking on a seasoned, established superstar in Amir Khan. I will be carrying the hopes of 1.2bn on my shoulders who will expect me to bring the title by causing an upset.”

AS part of the Kingdom’s social and cultural push under the Vision 2030, the event is expected to boost the country’s image in the sporting world.

Article courtesy of Saudi Gazette