On this day three years ago, a boxing event in El Alamein, Egypt, took an unexpected turn when the ring at the Mandy Restaurant Opposite Hacienda White Gate 2 proved to be as slippery as an ice rink.
In a desperate attempt to provide traction for the boxers, the quick-thinking promoter resorted to an unconventional solution: duct-taping Persian rugs from the entrance onto the ring floor.
The makeshift fix, however, proved to be less than ideal. The rugs, while ornate and luxurious, were not designed for the rigors of professional boxing. As it turned out, they were nearly as unstable as the slick surface beneath them, leaving the boxers to contend with what essentially remained a treacherous arena.
The event featured several bouts, including matches refereed by Mostafa Elqiliny. Among the boxers, competing that night were Ali Elsharaky, Omar Salah, and Mahmoud Zeinom, all in the 62-70 kg weight class.
One of the main attractions was a bout between Samy Abdalla, an undefeated prospect with a record of 10 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw (including 3 knockouts), and Alaa Abouseir, who entered the ring with a less impressive record of 3 wins and 5 losses.
The match between Abdalla and Abouseir took an unexpected turn when Abouseir was disqualified for repeatedly striking his opponent’s shoulder, a clear violation of boxing rules. Whether the unusual ring conditions played a role in this infraction remains a matter of speculation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise in the world of boxing promotion, particularly in unconventional venues. It also highlights the importance of proper ring preparation to ensure the safety and fair competition of the athletes involved.
While the Persian rug solution may not have solved the slipping problem, it certainly created a memorable moment in boxing history – one that undoubtedly left both boxers and spectators alike wondering if they had stepped into a boxing ring or onto a flying carpet.
