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Western Muslim Diaspora

An Evening with Legends: Artur Beterbiev, Roy Jones Jr., and Shabaz Masoud Share the Stage in Exclusive Q&A

By: Lina Hope • Sep 20, 2026 • 5 min read

In an event that brought together different generations of boxing royalty, fight fans were treated to a rare and insightful evening featuring some of the sport’s most decorated and talented athletes. Dilly Hussain, the deputy editor of the prominent independent news platform 5Pillars, hosted an engaging and comprehensive question-and-answer session with current undisputed light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev, current IBO super bantamweight champion Shabaz Masoud, and the legendary four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr.

The exclusive conversation took place at a special charity dinner organized by Al Medina 313 on Tuesday, November 30. The gathering provided attendees not only with an opportunity to support a meaningful charitable cause but also to hear firsthand reflections, career insights, and personal philosophies from elite fighters who have reached the absolute pinnacle of professional boxing.

The event, which was subsequently made available to a wider global audience through a video release by 5Pillars, highlighted the intersection of sports, personal discipline, and community philanthropy. Bringing together a modern undefeated powerhouse, a rising world champion, and an all-time boxing great created a dynamic panel capable of addressing the multifaceted realities of life inside and outside the squared circle.

A Meeting of Boxing Royalty

The panel featured a fascinating contrast of eras, backgrounds, and fighting styles, united by their shared dedication to the sweet science.

At the center of the current boxing landscape is Artur Beterbiev, the fearsome undefeated champion known for his extraordinary knockout-to-win ratio and iron-willed discipline. Having cemented his legacy by capturing the undisputed light heavyweight crown, Beterbiev represents the apex of modern boxing dominance. Known typically for his stoic and focused demeanor inside the training camp and the ring, the Q&A offered fans a rare glimpse into the mindset required to maintain an unblemished professional record while conquering multiple governing bodies in one of the sport’s most punishing weight divisions.

Sitting alongside Beterbiev was Shabaz Masoud, the slick and undefeated IBO super bantamweight champion. Representing the newer wave of elite British boxing talent, Masoud’s inclusion on the panel underscored his rapid ascent in the sport. As a champion who continues to build his legacy on the international stage, Masoud’s perspective provided aspiring athletes and local fans with a relatable blueprint of hard work, tactical skill, and relentless ambition.

VIDEO: A conversation with boxing world champions

Rounding out the panel was none of other than Roy Jones Jr., a living legend whose name is synonymous with the golden era of boxing in the 1990s and 2000s. Widely regarded as one of the most gifted and dominant fighters in boxing history, Jones captured world titles in four different weight classes—ranging from middleweight to heavyweight—defying conventional athletic limits with his astonishing speed, reflexes, and unorthodox style. Jones’s presence brought decades of wisdom, historical perspective, and charismatic storytelling to the stage, captivating the audience as he reflected on the evolution of the sport and the mental fortitude required to sustain greatness over a legendary career.

Insights on Discipline, Charity, and Legacy

Hosted by Dilly Hussain, the conversation traversed a wide range of topics, moving beyond standard sports commentary to explore the personal values that drive these champions. The discussion touched upon the rigorous physical and mental sacrifices demanded by professional boxing, the importance of maintaining humility in victory, and the responsibility that elite athletes hold as role models within their communities.

Given that the evening was hosted as a charity dinner organized by Al Medina 313, the themes of giving back, community solidarity, and social responsibility heavily underlined the proceedings. The champions spoke candidly about how their platforms can be utilized to support charitable initiatives and uplift underprivileged communities, reinforcing the idea that true championship qualities extend far beyond championship belts and stadium lights.

The dialogue also explored the psychological aspects of combat sports, with the fighters discussing how they overcome adversity, handle pressure on the global stage, and manage the constant physical demands of training camps. For boxing enthusiasts in attendance, hearing a veteran icon like Roy Jones Jr. share the stage with a current undisputed king like Artur Beterbiev and a rising force like Shabaz Masoud offered an educational and inspiring masterclass in athletic excellence.

Connecting with Global Audiences

By partnering with 5Pillars for the media coverage and hosting duties, the event reached far beyond the confines of the venue hall. The full video conversation, published online for boxing fans and digital subscribers worldwide, allows a broader audience to engage with the thoughtful discourse shared during the evening.

As sports fans continue to seek authentic connections with the athletes they admire, panels of this caliber provide a refreshing departure from standard promotional media junkets. Through the guidance of Dilly Hussain, the conversation successfully bridged the gap between raw athletic achievement and human narrative, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended the Al Medina 313 charity dinner and those tuning in digitally from around the globe.

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Author / Editorial Team:

Lina Hope