![](https://wbcboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/abdou-erali-.jpg)
By Cormac O Donell
Dubai is gearing up for a thrilling night of entertainment as entrepreneur Tam Khan brings ‘Social Knockout 3’ to the Coca-Cola Arena on July 6th. This highly anticipated event promises a blend of professional boxing matches and Social Media celebrity bouts, headlined by social media sensation Abdu Rozik making his boxing debut.
Tam Khan, who owns a gym and restaurant in Dubai, emphasizes the inclusive and diverse appeal of the event. “You’ve got the biggest YouTube influencers from across the world, not only the Middle East region,” he says. “We’ve got Darren Till, a former UFC fighter – I’ve just got him signed. You’ve got MMA fans, boxing fans, YouTube fans. A night for everyone. Music with Stefflon Don. So you can bring your partner, your wife, ladies, kids, adults. Just an amazing night for everyone in Dubai during the summer.”
The rise of combat sports in the Middle East is a trend that Khan is particularly proud of. ” I think people are saying, look, there’s another region to keep busy with,” he explains. “Whereas in the West, unless you’re a household name, it’s very hard to get on shows. The UK is standing strong – keeping fights going, but in other countries like Eastern Europe and Asia, there’s not much opportunity for a lot of people.”
For Tam Khan, a former fighter himself, bringing attention to boxing in the Middle East is a labor of love. “For people like myself who have been in the sport for 20 odd years and used to fight, it’s a passion more than anything. Anyone who does events will tell you, you don’t financially gain. There are losses financially. But in another aspect, you’re always gaining while you’re building a brand; you feel good, and you’re making a sport grow from the grassroots.”
One of the more unique aspects of ‘Social Knockout 3’ is the blend of traditional boxing with modern digital culture. “To attract people to boxing – you have to grab them from the YouTubers,” Khan explains. “Many kids probably don’t know who Gervonta Davis is. They don’t know Vasiliy Lomachenko – but they know Mo Vlogs.”
“It brings their fans, and they say, ‘Oh, look at this sport. I want to do it. I want to maybe get fit. I want to see how it goes rather than sit on computers all day.'”
Tam is particularly excited about seeing Abdu Rozik make his debut in the boxing ring and notes the many talents of the social media star. “Abdu Rozik has so much charisma. Last week he turned up in a white suit. He had the Conor McGregor strut. He’s good on the mic, he’s sassy, he knows how to talk, and he’s training. You put Abdu Rozik in a movie – he’ll be a star. You put him on a reality TV show – he’ll be a star. You put him in karaoke – he’ll be a singing star. Some people are gifted like that. I’ve known him for a while, we have a really good relationship and the timing was perfect.”
Khan’s vision extends beyond just this event. He sees it as part of a larger movement to inspire and engage diverse communities. Noting Abdu Rozik’s growth condition, he feels that “It’s inspirational to people; if he can go out there training and fight; anyone can. So it gives hope to many other people. Again, we’re opening up another demographic of people which shows what we can do.”
Reflecting on his journey, Tam credits Dubai’s unique environment and leadership for his success. “Honestly, I say all along – there is no leader like Sheikh Mohammed, the vision he had. For me, it’s home. I’m born in the UK, raised in England – which is my home always – but this is my new home, Inshallah. I always make dua, praying that I finish here.”
“There’s no place like the UAE, and there’s no place like Dubai. And it’s testimony to the leadership. I can give you this much money now and say go and build something to make it popular. It’s not that easy. You’ll see. It’s not easy. What they’ve done with this country is unparalleled.”
Juggling a business portfolio that encompasses the TKMMA gym, Charcoal Garden restaurant, and TK Business consultation – Khan’s story is a testament to the opportunities available in Dubai. “Someone like me, I’m just your average joe. I still don’t believe I’ve achieved anything proper. But I’ve been successful because of the opportunities I’ve got here. I’m in a gym; celebrities walk through, I’m in a restaurant – I meet people and you network.
“It is the new America where it’s the land of opportunities. I have a business called TK Business where I help people establish companies. And I say, literally, if I can do it, anyone can. I have no PhD. I didn’t go to Harvard or Oxford. But when you work hard and you’re around the right people – Dubai is the place to be, believe me.”
test