Glory Collision 5: Tarik Khbabez to Face Fellow Moroccan for Interim Title After Champion’s Withdrawal

15 June 2023 – bySaid · 2 min read

While he was originally supposed to face the current light heavyweight champion, Donegi Abena, the Moroccan Tarik Khbabez will face another Moroccan at the GLORY: Collision 5 event scheduled at Rotterdam Ahoy.

Tarik Khbabez, known as "Tank", and "Momine" Mohamed Amine, will compete for the interim title in the co-main event of the evening. Following a serious food poisoning of Abena.

"We are completely shocked and incredulous because we just received the news that Tarik will not fight, as Donegi claims to be sick. In our opinion, this story is lamentable... he is supposed to be sick from food poisoning for 2 weeks already and cancels during fight week," reacted the Moroccan following this cancellation.

The two boxers have what it takes to thrill the audience. Khbabez, the favorite, is well known for his spectacular fights and won the "Fight of the Year" in 2022. As for Amine, he comes into this fight after a victory against Michael Duut at Glory 85 in April. He is currently ranked among the top five light heavyweights in Glory.

Four other fights are scheduled for this evening. On the program, the interim titles in the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions will be at stake, as well as the undisputed crowns in the welterweight and middleweight divisions. Also noteworthy is the clash between Antonio Plazibat and Tariq "cookie" Osaro for the interim heavyweight title and a chance to face champion Rico Verhoeven later this year.

Take an inside look at Tarik Khbabez's preparations for #COLLISION5 this Saturday. pic.twitter.com/HvGobXgyxs

— GLORY Kickboxing (@GLORY_WS) June 15, 2023