Mehdi Zatout Vs. Zuhayr Al-Qahtani Boxing Match Added To ONE 166: Qatar
An intriguing catchweight boxing bout is officially heading to the Lusail Sports Arena and ONE’s blockbuster debut in the nation of Qatar.
On Friday, March 1, beloved Algerian striker Mehdi “Diamond Heart” Zatout will come out of retirement to face Saudi Arabian star Zuhayr “The Arabian Warrior” Al-Qahtani in a 147-pound boxing tilt at ONE 166: Qatar.
A former ISKA and WBC Muay Thai World Champion, Zatout has since enjoyed an impressive six-fight career in the world’s largest martial arts organization, competing in both Muay Thai and kickboxing.
In 2021, he nearly reached the pinnacle by challenging Thai knockout artist “One Punch Man” Capitan Petchyindee for the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title. While Zatout would lose a decision to the hard-hitting titleholder, his gritty and courageous performance earned him legions of new fans across the globe.
Then in October 2022 at ONE Fight Night 3 on Prime Video, “Diamond Heart” dominated American standout Asa Ten Pow under Muay Thai rules to score a dominant first-round TKO victory.
After that win, an emotional Zatout left his gloves in the Circle, signaling his retirement from competition.
Never one to back away from a challenge, though, the 40-year-old is ready to return and test his hands against one of the region’s top prizefighters.
Boasting an unblemished 9-0 professional boxing record and a WBC Middle Eastern Championship, Al-Qahtani is one of Saudi Arabia’s pioneers of the sport.
As the country’s first fighter to forge a career in professional boxing, the 34-year-old trailblazer will surely come into the contest with plenty of support from fans in attendance and look to make a statement against Zatout.
“Diamond Heart” will have his own motivations, as well.
A win over a respected competitor like Al-Qahtani – in his professional boxing debut, no less – would be a fitting cap to an incredible career.
Check onefc.com for more news and announcements surrounding ONE 166: Qatar on March 1.
