A two-time national champion, Emirati Sultan Al Nuaimi is relishing this Friday’s return to the ring. The Ajman-born boxer opens Rotunda Rumble 3 at Caesars Palace Bluewaters in Dubai, an event broadcast live in the United States on ESPN+ in association with blue-chip promoters Top Rank. It can be viewed around the world on iFL TV. Al Nuaimi takes on Indonesian Sulis Barrera, a journeyman fighter who holds a modest professional record of four victories from 12 fights. In contrast, Al Nuaimi is relatively new to the pro ranks, marking his debut at Rotunda Rumble 2 last November with a quick win. At the same venue, he eased to a first-round TKO triumph over another Indonesian, Charles Latuperissa. Now Al Nuaimi is itching to get another victory under his belt in the super-flyweight division. “I am really excited to step back in the ring, sharing the venue with a lot of skilled fighters and great supportive people,” he said. “I’ve been training hard and worked on a lot of things I’ve seen that I need to work on. “It’s getting better, I feel sharper and I will do my best to have a good fight that everyone’s going to enjoy. “I feel really proud of being a part of this historical event, especially to set a good example for people and show them that anything is possible once they set their goal and focus on it.” A fast-rising prospect in national terms, Al Nuaimi shares Friday's card with reigning WBC International super-flyweight titleholder Aliu Bamidele Lasisi. The Dubai-based Nigerian, unbeaten, makes the first defence of his crown against former world title challenger Norbelto Jimenez. Former world titleholder TJ Doheny, Irishman Steve Collins Jr – son of the former WBO middleweight and super-middleweight champion – Dubai-based Rohan Date, Australia’s Cesar Mateo Tapia and promising Indian welterweight Faizan Anwar also feature. Having needed only 112 seconds to kick-start his pro career with victory, Al Nuaimi is hoping for a sterner test this weekend. While that sounds counterintuitive, the theory is that the longer in the ring, the more chance the 26 year-old has to showcase his talent. “I want to be more challenging,” Al Nuaimi said. “I want to gain more experience from each round. But if I see an opening, I have to go for it. “Whatever I did before, I’m doing better now. On Friday, we will see a big difference – from power to speed, and being sharper. All these kinds of things. To be honest, I’m not watching any of his fights. I’m focusing on myself, my technique and all these kinds of movement. “I just want to set a good example to everybody, push myself to the limit, try to rise each time and level up. Keep on challenging bigger opponents. Keep on winning.”
