The highly anticipated match between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab, part of the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League, featured a remarkable moment involving Saudi international defender Ali Al-Bulaihi and renowned Italian coach Simone Inzaghi. The exciting encounter took place at Al-Shabab's stadium, amidst a large crowd and media presence covering the Riyadh derby.

Details of the conversation between Ali Al-Bulaihi and Inzaghi

In a display of sportsmanship and global interest in the Saudi League, Al-Shabab player Ali Al-Bulaihi (according to reports) made a point of greeting Simone Inzaghi before kickoff and during breaks in the game, in addition to greeting his teammates. This gesture sparked widespread reaction, as Al-Bulaihi is known for his strong personality and commanding presence in big matches, while the presence of a name of Inzaghi's stature in Saudi stadiums is further evidence of the growing appeal of the competition.

Match result and events of the half

On the pitch, the score is currently tied 1-1 between the two Riyadh giants. Josh Brownhill opened the scoring for Al Shabab, igniting the crowd and giving his team the lead. However, the opposing team quickly responded, with star player Mohammed Kanno leveling the score after receiving a perfectly weighted cross, which he met with a powerful shot that found the back of the net, bringing the game back to square one.

The importance of the Riyadh derby and the development of the Roshan League

Matches between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab hold immense historical and popular significance, as this derby is considered one of the most prestigious rivalries in Saudi football. This particular match comes at a time when the Saudi Professional League is experiencing an unprecedented surge in quality, attracting both international stars and top coaches, thus drawing global attention to Saudi stadiums to witness these high-profile encounters.

The presence of world-renowned sporting figures like Simone Inzaghi at these matches, whether as guests of honor or observers, enhances the league's international standing and underscores the significant development in the infrastructure and organization of domestic competitions. Furthermore, the high level of competition displayed in crucial rounds, such as the 24th round, reflects the rising technical standard and the close competition among clubs vying for titles and top positions.

In a global sporting event that will reshape the landscape of combat sports, His Excellency Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, revealed details of the highly anticipated fight to be held in the Arab Republic of Egypt under the title "Glory in Giza." This major event, organized in collaboration with the prestigious "The Ring" magazine, will bring together two giants of combat sports: Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, the unified world heavyweight boxing champion, and Dutchman Rico Verhoeven, the kickboxing legend who reigned supreme in the GLORY organization for many years, on Saturday, May 23.

A clash of giants in the presence of history

The choice of the Giza Pyramids as the venue for this fight carries profound historical and marketing significance, as the grandeur of Pharaonic history meets modern sport in an exceptional setting. The pyramids will serve as the backdrop for one of the fiercest battles for the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title. This bout gains added momentum as it marks the return of Dutch giant Rico Verhoeven to the boxing ring after a 12-year absence, in a clear challenge to break Usyk's undefeated streak, making the fight a clash between two different schools of fighting.

Regional and international dimensions of the event

The "Glory in Giza" fight is more than just a sporting event; it embodies the strategic vision spearheaded by Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh to enhance the Arab region's position as a global destination for major events. Building on the resounding success of "Riyadh Season," this event brings this successful model to the heart of Cairo, reflecting the deep ties and cooperation in the entertainment and sports sectors between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The event is also expected to boost sports tourism in Egypt, attracting millions of viewers worldwide and showcasing the region's impressive organizational capabilities.

Technical Analysis: The Clash of Styles and Records

Technically, Oleksandr Usyk (39 years old) enters the fight with a perfect record of 24 wins, 15 of them by knockout, bolstered by his recent and thrilling victory at Wembley Stadium over Daniel Dubois. Usyk is known for his sharp tactical intelligence, exceptional speed for his weight class, and ability to read and wear down his opponents. In contrast, Rico Verhoeven (36 years old) relies on his formidable physical strength and extensive kickboxing experience, boasting a fearsome record of 76 fights and 66 wins, including 13 consecutive title defenses.

This fight falls under the category of "crossover boxing," a globally popular genre where champions from different combat sports test their boxing skills. While Usyk is theoretically favored due to his specialization, Rico's explosive power and high endurance could turn the tide at any moment.

Statements from the heroes and broadcast details

In preparation for the fight, Usyk expressed his respect for his opponent: "I have a lot of respect for those who reach the pinnacle of their sport. Rico is one of them… but boxing is a different game with its own rules and history. I'm ready and excited for this fight." Verhoeven responded, confirming his readiness for the challenge: "I wasn't looking for comfort, but for the highest possible challenge. Usyk is an undisputed champion in boxing, and that's the challenge that motivates me. Undisputed against undisputed, the best against the best.".

It is worth noting that the fight will be broadcast exclusively via the global DAZN platform, ensuring extensive coverage of one of the most important sporting events of the year. Details regarding tickets and accompanying preliminary fights will be announced later.

In a move reflecting the deep fraternal and sporting ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Egyptian capital, Cairo, witnessed a significant sporting event today (Friday): the signing of a joint cooperation protocol between the Saudi Boxing Federation and the Egyptian Boxing Federation. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of His Excellency Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, lending considerable momentum to this strategic partnership.

The Saudi side was represented at the signing of the agreement by His Excellency Engineer Faisal bin Saeed Bafrat, a member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Boxing Federation, while the Egyptian side was represented by His Excellency Major General Magdy El-Lozy, President of the Egyptian Boxing Federation. This protocol aims to establish an institutional framework for the development of boxing in both brotherly countries.

Agreement terms and areas of cooperation

The two parties agreed, within the terms of the protocol, on a set of executive measures that would raise the technical level of players and coaches. The agreement included:

• Establishing joint training camps to facilitate technical interaction between boxers.
• Organizing friendly and official tournaments that contribute to raising the readiness of champions for international competitions.
• Exchanging administrative, technical and refereeing expertise to ensure keeping up with the latest developments in the world of boxing.

Context of the Saudi Sports Renaissance

This protocol comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is experiencing an unprecedented boom in the sports sector, particularly in boxing, which has made the Kingdom a global destination through hosting historic fights as part of Riyadh Season. This move reflects the Saudi Federation's desire to capitalize on this global momentum to ensure the sustainable development of local talent. The collaboration with the renowned Egyptian school of combat sports is a smart step towards combining accumulated expertise with the Kingdom's vast resources and ambitious vision.

Strategic importance and expected impact

This partnership is significant because it aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on enhancing quality of life and developing athletes capable of competing at the Olympic and international levels. This collaboration is expected to contribute to:

• Accelerating the development of national teams in both countries.
• Enhancing the Arab presence on the global podiums of boxing.
• Strengthening bilateral relations between Saudi and Egyptian youth through sports.

This protocol is an extension of the growing role played by the Saudi Boxing Federation in promoting the sport’s presence regionally and internationally, and building quality partnerships that contribute to creating a new generation of champions who raise their country’s flags in various forums.