The World Boxing Council’s “Riyadh Champion” commemorative belt has been unveiled ahead of the highly-anticipated “Battle of the Baddest” bout between WBC heavyweight king Tyson Fury and former UFC heavyweight titlist Francis Ngannou on Oct. 28.
The custom-designed belt, created by the WBC for this contest, boasts an intricate design that blends iconography of boxing and MMA. A dark-green backdrop signifying the national identity of Saudi Arabia, envelops the entire belt.
The words “Riyadh Champion” are emblazoned in elegant gold letters flecked with diamonds, and to highlight the unique nature of this combat sports event, octagon shapes, synonymous with MMA, have been placed across its face.
Positioned at the heart of the design is the flag of Saudi Arabia, while the Riyadh Season logo is also displayed prominently.
The belt also has an image of the late Jose Sulaiman, a tribute to the WBC leader who wanted to establish boxing in the Middle East. The faces of Fury and Ngannou are also displayed, as well as that of Muhammad Ali and Ngannou’s trainer, Mike Tyson.
The president of the WBC, Mauricio Sulaiman, arrived in Riyadh with the belt on Tuesday.
“It is my great honor to be here,” he said. “It will be memorable.”
