A "custom-made arena" erected at the foot of Dubai skyscraper Burj Khalifa is "just one of several possible venues being explored to host" an IBF championship bout between welterweight champion Devon Alexander and Amir Khan, according to Gary Meenaghan of THE NATIONAL. While no deal "is yet in place," talks are at an "advanced stage and potential venues have been discussed." L.A.-based Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer said, "There are different ways to go about it. It could be an existing venue such as the cricket ground, or it could be something spectacular that will utilize some outdoor places in Dubai to show the beautiful skyline" (THE NATIONAL, 7/23). In a separate piece, Meenaghan reported Schaefer "is determined to strike a multi-year deal with Dubai and has made his top priority securing for the emirate the rights to the IBF welterweight championship bout." Schaefer spent the past two days meeting with "high-level government officials." Schaefer said that "he is hopeful a deal can be agreed to host one major fight in the city each year, starting with a December 7 match between Alexander and Khan." Schaefer: "I am talking to the right people and these conversations are not just about a one-off fight, but a long-term relationship. For Golden Boy, this is not about coming here and trying to leave with a bunch of money and burning bridges. It's about building for the future" (THE NATIONAL, 7/23).
