In an unprecedented historic achievement, Ziyad Almaayouf, the first Saudi professional boxer, has secured a remarkable victory in his sixth professional boxing fight at the first Riyadh Season event abroad held outside the Kingdom, in Los Angeles, California.
The event was organized under the patronage of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority’s board of directors. It featured a series of thrilling boxing matches, with the a key highlight being Almaayouf’s match against Poland’s third-ranked boxer, Michal Bulik, making him the first Saudi boxer to compete in the United States.
Almaayouf represented the Kingdom not only as a boxer and athlete but also as a symbol and bearer of the Saudi Arabian flag. Known globally as “Zizo,” he constantly strives to achieve more than just victories in the ring; he aims to change stereotypes and perceptions about Saudi Arabia.
Throughout his distinguished career, Almaayouf has turned doubt into belief and hostility into admiration. He has achieved a series of historic successes in his professional career and plans to continue this success with the support of Vision 2030 led by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. He is also the first Saudi professional boxer to receive full backing from His Excellency Turki Alalshikh
Almaayouf delivered an exceptional performance, showcasing his remarkable speed and unique left-hand power, captivating the global audience and affirming his status as a formidable professional boxer. At the end of this grueling bout, Ziyad Almaayouf impressed the international audience and media, alongside many Saudi fans who traveled to support him in the United States.
While two judges declared the match a draw, the esteemed international judge Zachary Young declared Ziyad Almaayouf the clear winner. This allowed Almaayouf to maintain his undefeated professional record.
In another achievement that upholds the integrity of the sport, the California State Athletic Commission decided to amend the result of the match held on August 3, 2024, between Ziyad Almaayouf and Polish boxer Michal Bulik, after it was proven that Bulik used banned substances to enhance his performance. According to the commission’s report, tests conducted under the supervision of VADA revealed that Bulik used Anastrozole and exogenous testosterone, leading to the annulment of the draw and the official declaration of Ziyad Almaayouf as the winner.
Based on Section 18842 of the California Business and Professions Code, Bolik’s professional license has been suspended for one year, retroactive to August 3, 2024. Additionally, Section 18843 (b) allows the commission to impose a fine of up to 40 percent of Bolik’s total purse for violating the rules related to the use of prohibited substances.
This decision further enhances Almaayouf’s standing as he aspires to turn the impossible into reality and achieve the first-ever professional boxing world championship title for Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, with continued support from His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority’s board of directors.
