ABOUT US
Revolutionizing Boxing in the Middle East
Pioneering Excellence: The Rise of Middle East Professional Boxing
Born out of necessity, the Middle East Professional Boxing (MEPB) commission emerged as the essential regulatory body for professional boxing in the region. With a mission to sanction events and foster the sport’s development, MEPB, led by Jose Mohen, has spearheaded a transformative journey for boxing in the Middle East.
The inception of the Middle East Professional Boxing (MEPB) commission was driven by the imperative need for a regulatory body in the region’s professional boxing scene. Dedicated to sanctioning events and nurturing the sport’s development, MEPB, guided by Jose Mohen, has played a pivotal role in elevating boxing standards in the Middle East.
VISION & MISSION
OUR TEAM
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
History of Boxing in the Middle East
1986 – EL SABA AL SALEM STADIUM, KUWAIT CITY
Boxing History Made in Kuwait: First Middle East Title Fight
On February 22nd, 1986, boxing history was made in Kuwait City as El Sabah Al Salem Stadium hosted the Middle East’s first-ever professional title fight. Reigning flyweight champion Freddy Castillo of Mexico faced off against the legendary Thai fighter, Sot Chitalada, in a clash for the WBC and The Ring titles. The bout was a thrilling contest, but in the end, Chitalada emerged victorious by unanimous decision, claiming the championship belts and marking a major milestone for both his career and the sport’s presence in the Middle East.
1997 – TENNIS CLUB, DUBAI, U.A.E.
UAE Debuts on the World Boxing Stage with Historic Eubank Fight
Dubai made history on Thursday, March 27th, 1997, as the Tennis Club hosted the United Arab Emirates’ first-ever professional boxing match. The main event featured British boxing star Chris Eubank facing off against Colombian challenger Camilo Alarcon in a landmark event, signaling the UAE’s ambition to become a player in the world of professional boxing.
1998-2015 – MIDDLE EAST
20 Shows Take the Stage Post-1997 UNTIL 2015
After 1997, however, a shift began. Approximately 20 boxing events took place within the region up to 2016. These events started small, sometimes featuring regional talent. Although events started taking place in the Middle East, there was no regulatory organization and nothing in place to protect the fighters or promoters, nor any doping control measures.
2016 – DUBAI, U.A.E.
MIDDLE EAST PROFESSIONAL BOXING WAS ESTABLISHED
Established in 2016, the MEPB made Dubai, UAE, its headquarters. Our journey started with sanctioning our very first boxing event at Ahdaf Sports Club in Dubai. Under the leadership of Jose Mohen the commission has grown to sanctioning fights throughout the Middle East. As of now, we have closely worked with nearly 100 professional boxing shows and now is officialy recognised as the exclusive professional boxing commision for the region.
MEPB is the first organization in the region to sanction professional boxing shows, enjoying affiliations with all major sanctioning bodies including WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO. The only approved local commision in the mIddle east majorly focusing on Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi, Oman and the MENA region in general.
MEPB is the first organization in the region to sanction professional boxing shows, enjoying affiliations with all major sanctioning bodies including WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO. The only approved local commision in the mIddle east majorly focusing on Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi, Oman and the MENA region in general.
2018 – KING ABDULLAH SPORTS CITY, JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA
GROVES VS. SMITH IN SAUDI ARABIA: MUHAMMAD ALI TROPHY
The World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) super-middleweight final between George Groves and Callum Smith in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia held immense significance for both the sport of boxing and the region. The event marked a major push to expand boxing’s global footprint, introducing the sport to a new audience in the Middle East.
2021 – CAESARS PALACE, DUBAI, U.A.E.
Jamel Herring vs Carl Frampton, WBO Title in Dubai
In September 2021, Dubai’s Caesars Palace ignited with a thrilling super-featherweight clash sanctioned by MEPB. Seasoned champion Carl Frampton, a former two-division world champion, faced reigning WBO titleholder Jamel Herring, a decorated former U.S. Marine.
2022 – DUTY FREE TENNIS STADIUM, DUBAI, U.A.E.
SUNNy edwards vs muhammad waseem, IBF flyweight title
In a clash of styles at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Britain’s Sunny Edwards successfully defended his IBF flyweight title on March 19th, 2022. Edwards, known for his slick boxing and bravado, outpointed the determined Pakistani challenger, Muhammad Waseem, in a unanimous decision victory. This marked Edwards’ second successful defense of his championship belt.
2022 – JEDDAH SUPERDOME, JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA
OLEKSANDR USYK VS ANTHONY JOSHUA 2, RAGE ON THE RED SEA
The 2022 rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua at Jeddah Superdome, Saudi Arabia, was a pivotal heavyweight boxing match sanctioned by the Middle East Boxing Commission (MEPB). Usyk defended his titles against Joshua in a high-stakes duel that captivated global boxing fans, marking a significant chapter in the sport’s history and a milestone for the MEPB.
2022 – ETIHAD ARENA, ABU DHABI, U.A.E.
WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship – Bivol vs Ramirez
“””The WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship fight between Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, sanctioned by the Middle East Boxing Commission (MEPB), was a highly anticipated event that took place in Abu Dhabi on November 5th, 2022. The bout not only showcased top-tier boxing talent but also put Abu Dhabi on the international boxing map, drawing the attention of fight fans worldwide.
Both fighters came into the match undefeated, with Bivol fresh off a major victory against boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez. Bivol successfully defended his WBA light heavyweight title and won by a unanimous decision. This event marked yet another pivotal moment for the MEPB and Abu Dhabi for staging such a prestigious and successful boxing event.”””
Both fighters came into the match undefeated, with Bivol fresh off a major victory against boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez. Bivol successfully defended his WBA light heavyweight title and won by a unanimous decision. This event marked yet another pivotal moment for the MEPB and Abu Dhabi for staging such a prestigious and successful boxing event.”””
2023 – DIRIYAH ARENA, DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA
MAKABU VS. BADOU JACK: WBC WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE
The Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia hosted the gripping WBC World Cruiserweight title fight between Ilunga Makabu and Badou Jack on February 26, 2023 sanctioned by Middle East Professional Boxing. This high-profile bout featured intense action as both boxers vied for the prestigious championship, marking a significant moment in cruiserweight boxing and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rising status as a key venue for major boxing events.
2016-2024 – MENA REGION
WE’RE PROUD OF OUR GROWTH as a boxing commision, AIMING FOR 100 SANCTIONED EVENTS IN 2024
The Middle East Professional Boxing Commission (MEPB) is on the verge of an extraordinary milestone. With 86 successful shows sanctioned since 2016, the commission is poised to achieve its ambitious goal of sanctioning its 100th professional boxing event in 2024. This landmark achievement not only reflects the commission’s dedication to advancing the sport but also underscores the burgeoning momentum and popularity of boxing in the region.