Saudi Arabia: First female professional boxer makes history

Saudi Arabia and the world witnessed history this evening as Ragad Al Naimi became the first female fighter from the Kingdom to make her professional boxing, debuting on ‘The Truth’ undercard and winning in convincing fashion. With high expectations and an entire nation in her corner, Al Naimi showcased her potential as a future superstar of Saudi Arabian boxing, shining bright under the lights in Diriyah with a third round stoppage victory over Perpetual Okaidah.

In a dominant display from the opening bell, Al Naimi went forward on the offensive, backing her opponent up at every available opportunity with a flurry of quick-fire combinations. After two one-sided rounds in which she almost stopped Okaidah on multiple occasions, Al Naimi’s speed, footwork, and relentless pressure proved too much and the referee called a stop to the contest in round three to the delight of the hometown crowd.

• Ragad Al Naimi to become first Saudi female boxer to make professional debut