Ziyad Almaayouf wants to be announced as ‘the fighting pride of Saudi Arabia’, similar to how Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s name was announced during his bouts. Almaayouf once googled ‘professional Saudi boxer’, and there was not even a single name. So he made it his goal to become the first professional boxer from the Kingdom. The 24-year-old is now all set to take on a fighter with more than double the experience that Almaayouf has.

The boxer from the Kingdom will be seen squaring off against Michal Bulik from Opole, Poland. The two will be fighting on the massive undercard of Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Before the August 3rd Riyadh Season boxing event, let’s take a look at the attributes and background of Almaayouf and Bulik. 

Ziyad Almaayouf vs. Michal Bulik: Tale of Tape 

Saudi Arabia is taking some huge steps in terms of investments and efforts to transform the global sports industry. The Kingdom has also orchestrated some top-notch boxing fights in the country. And now they have their own boxer who is strutting his way up in the world of boxing. Almaayouf has a 4-inch height advantage over the 5’6″ Polish boxer who is 5’10”. Yet, as an orthodox boxer, Almaayouf would find it difficult to predict the natural inclinations of a southpaw like Bulik. Popularly known as ‘Zizo’ in the Saudi boxing circuit, Almaayouf made his professional debut in 2021 and defeated Alfredo Alatorre via knockout. With a 5 fight winning streak, he has a 20% knockout ratio. Furthermore, he can benefit from the Polish fighter’s experience given his relative youth.

Speaking of Bulik, the Opole native was quite passionate and skilled about Kayaking till the age of 18, and even stood 5th in the national Polish Championships. Then he started boxing in 2012 at the age of 23. However, the 35-year-old has been on a 5-fight losing streak. Out of his 13 professional bouts, the pugilist has won 2 of them via knockout and has a 33.33% knockout ratio. Having started boxing at a very late point in his life, he understood the sweet science quite quickly. In fact, he won his first two pro fights via first-round knockouts. 

What do the two titans bring to the table? 

In 2019, Bulik participated in the Olympic boxing tournaments as an amateur. He even reached the quarter-finals of the Polish Senior Championships. In the same year, he fought 13 amateur bouts and attributes it as his biggest achievement. He added another feather to his cap by winning the Malopolska Grand Prix. He is associated with Silesia Boxing, promoted by trainer and promoter Iroslaw Butowicz. 

During his childhood, 24-year-old Almaayouf never had anyone from his country to look up to. Now he aims to become an inspiration for the young boxers in Saudi. ‘Zizo’ was born in New York, but he was raised in Egypt. He tiptoed into the boxing ring for the first time when he was 11. Moreover, he was set to compete for Saudi Arabia at the Tokyo Olympics, but COVID-19 prevented him from doing so. But now the young fighter has a chance to fight on the undercard of two world champions, and millions of fans from around the globe will be watching the boxing event. This will be his time to shine.

The massive Riyadh season event in Los Angeles will be a full package of some amazing matchups and a performance by “Rap God” Eminem. Meanwhile, who do you think will win the fight between Almaayouf and Bulik? Tell us your opinions in the comments below.