In the dynamic world of Gulf sports, few names are making as much impact as Dominic Hadi & Jak Corrie, the visionaries behind Gulf Boxing Operations (GBO) & Only Sports Events. Based in Dubai, the duo have turned GBO into one of the most influential grassroots boxing platforms in the region, helping young athletes, building awareness, and elevating the sport’s profile through world-class events.
From welcoming global legends like Floyd Mayweather to their events, to gaining support from members of the UAE royal family, the pair’s journey is one of passion, persistence, and purpose. With powerful imagery that captures moments alongside key regional figures and boxing elites, Dominic continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the Middle East’s evolving sports scene.
We caught up with him to explore the path he’s paved—and what’s coming next.
Gulf Boxing Operations has gained significant traction. Can you share some of the highlights of your journey?
The brand of the GBO is pretty new, however we have already achieved great things within the UAE, such as being the first-ever boxing event at the Burj Khalifa in April 2024. We’ve launched a new branding of Gulf Boxing Operations to state clearly that we want to be part of the boxing movement rising in the GCC, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Our goal is to be at the forefront of amateur boxing in the entire Gulf.
Grassroots development seems to be a core focus for GBO. Why is this so important to you?
Development at a grassroots level is the catalyst to the GBO without a doubt. Jak and I both found amateur boxing in the UK at different points in our lives, but the lessons learned from training and competing have stuck with us through everything.
“The commitment and hunger that you learn from the art of boxing teaches you that a knockback is only an opportunity to evaluate and learn.”
Life can hit you in the face—literally—but when you’ve taken an actual punch from someone with more skill and still have time left in the round, you realize you’re not made of glass. Those small achievements build up, and give you massive self-confidence.
We want to foster this in the Gulf—for people of all walks of life, all ages. Even if they decide not to fight, they’re still a part of our community. This is a community of wellness, safety, support, and self-belief.
What challenges have you faced in promoting boxing in the GCC region?
Jak and I’s goals with GBO are big—sometimes daunting. We know we have to live and breathe this to take it to where it needs to go. One major challenge: there currently isn’t a central portal for amateur boxers to register. That’s what we’re building.
The GBO website will be an eco-system for fighters, coaches, and promoters to:
- Locate regional talent
- Track fight records and activity
- Register matchups
- Implement medical suspensions when needed for fighter safety
Combat sport athletes are some of the most headstrong individuals out there, and they need regulation. That’s where we come in.
We also want to provide a clear path from amateur to professional—like Jak did last year. We’re lucky to do this with Alax Boxing, a tremendous professional brand. Aaron has been a key advocate for boxing in the region, and he, like us, believes the Middle East’s boxing scene is just getting started.
From a business side, finding funding to launch this vision has been key—and we’ve found some amazing sponsors to kick off the 2025 season.
Speaking of funding, what are the next steps for GBO in this regard?
We are working with people who truly believe in the GBO vision, but we’re always looking for the right partners. Our plan is to grow region by region across the Gulf and solidify ourselves as the premier brand for amateur boxing.
We want to align with brands and companies who believe in community, wellness, and change. The marketing potential is huge—we’re creating a new platform for sponsors to connect with massive, engaged audiences.
Have you had major sports personalities at your previous events? What was their impact?
Absolutely. We’ve had former world champions like Amir Khan, Rocky Fielding, and Shannon Courtenay attend our fights.
And of course—Floyd Mayweather. He arrived as expected—big entourage, lots of bling—but once seated, he was all in. He shouted advice, cheered, and engaged with the action. Every fighter that night got to say they performed in front of the greatest—and that can never be taken away from them.
We were also honored by the presence of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, who attended our Burj Khalifa event to support his friend Soheil. He was gracious, respectful, and supportive, even stepping into the ring afterward to compliment the event. A huge moment for us.
If you could step into the ring with any boxing legend, past or present, who would it be—and how many rounds do you think you could go?
The first fighter I ever saw on TV was ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed—my dad’s favorite boxer, and soon mine too. His speed, footwork, and power were unreal. Plus, those legendary walkouts and swagger.
He retired nearby, so I’d spot him in Staines High Street from time to time. Even retired, he’s still Prince Naseem. Honestly—I wouldn’t be able to land a single glove on him! Haha.
Finally, what events are lined up for 2025?
Our season kicks off in Dubai on April 26th at The Space in DIP. The venue has a strong boxing history, so it felt right to begin our partnership there.
After that, 9 more events will follow across the entire GCC. We’ll also introduce our ranking system, leading up to our championships in December.
“Over potentially three days, top-seeded fighters will leave it all in the ring to be crowned the GBO’s Emirates 2025 Champion in their division.”
We’re very excited to see this debut season unfold.
(c) sportsandgulf.ae 2025
