KICKBOXING: Lockport native will defend his WKA world title Nov. 12 at the Kenan Arena
World Kickboxing Association cruiserweight world champion Amer Abdallah of Lockport received a hero’s welcome last week when his plane touched down in his family’s native country of Jordan.
Abdallah, accompanied by his wife, Alanoud, and daughter, Alyah, was welcomed with two traditional bands playing national and patriotic music, along with hundreds of family, friends, supporters on hand. The arrival was covered by Jordanian National Television.
Abdallah, who knocked out British champion Daniel Hughes in their WKA title fight in Lockport back in May, said he had previously received notice that there would be a welcoming party to greet him at Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, but did not expect what was awaiting him.
“As we were getting our bags, we heard music playing in the welcoming area and a lot of commotion. I never would have believed all of that was for me,” said Abdallah, a Lockport gym owner, trainer and competitive fighter over the past three decades.
As the Abdallahs cleared customs and entered the welcoming area, the airport erupted in cheer, music and singing. In addition to Jordanian National Television covering the event, all of the country’s major newspapers sent reporters to cover the world champion’s arrival. For more than an hour, the celebration continued at the airport with pictures, autographs and hugs between Abdallah and his supporters.
“I’m beyond humbled at the welcome I’ve received here in Jordan. I’ve always been a proud Jordanian-American Muslim and today made me even prouder,” Abdallah said.
Immediately after his arrival, the Jordanian National Sports Network had him appear on their Sports Journal show for a live, one-hour segment, welcoming him and discussing his recent world title victory, which took place at Lockport’s Kenan Center Arena.
Recently, Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey proudly honored Abdallah with a proclamation, naming July 21st as Amer Abdallah Day in the city.
“I cannot thank my hometown community of Lockport enough for all of their support, belief and love for me throughout my career,” Abdallah said. “The hard work starts now in ensuring I keep both the United States and Jordanian flags raised high.”
Abdallah’s first official WKA world title defense is scheduled for Nov. 12 at the Kenan Arena.
This article first appeared on LockportJournal.com.