The inaugural WBC Boxing Grand Prix, in association with Riyadh Season, gets underway this week, with 128 fighters looking to book their spots in the next round.

The first phase is set to get going from April 17-20, with 32 fighters per weight class (featherweight, junior-welterweight, middleweight and heavyweight) taking part.

There will be 16 fights per day, each of them contested across six three-minute rounds, and all the action available to stream live on DAZN worldwide.

The group of 128 will be whittled down to 64 by the end of the week with August, October and December earmarked to stage the later rounds, which includes the grand final event.

Just four of those 128 boxers, however, are from the United Kingdom, but each one will be desperate to put on a show and leave the BLVD City Global Theater in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with victories which could help propel their careers.

Powar, 22, has fought at junior-lightweight throughout much of his career but will be competing at 126 pounds for the Grand Prix.

A Wolverhampton native, Powar was last in action at the end of October, beating journeyman Eliecer Quezada on points over eight rounds at the Hangar Events Venue. He also holds wins over Joshua Ocampo and Jose Manuel Perez.

"It's a massive opportunity for myself, I'm representing England," Powar told the Below The Belt podcast. "I've got nothing to lose, I'm treating every fight like I'm a world champion, sometimes it's not about the money, it's about the champion mindset, I'm willing to strive and go for everything."

Forrest, 26, has fought at welterweight for the majority of his career but he'll be campaigning at 140 pounds in Riyadh when the tournament gets underway on Thursday.

With nine victories and no defeats, Forrest is the current Northern Area lightweight champion after winning the vacant title against Kai Richmond in March 2024. He has three stoppages on his record and last fought against Donnie MacInnes winning by first-round TKO in February.

"This is the opportunity I've been waiting for and I'm more than ready to mix in with the best prospects in the world," The County Durham man said upon selection for the Grand Prix.

Arkwright, 25, is from Liverpool and last boxed Fernando Valencia in November, winning by decision. He also fought on a VIP Promotions show last June, beating Jake Bray on points.

The Liverpudlian has fought above the middleweight limit for his past several fights but will compete at 160 pounds for the tournament.

Arkwright told iFL TV: "I'm going in at middleweight, it's a knockout format, five fights spread across the year. It's a brilliant opportunity, I thought why not? Jump at it, it's a big opportunity to get my name out there.

"I applied in December and got an email saying I was selected. I was lucky really because I'm sure they've had a good few applications for it. The platform, getting your name out there on big bills, in Saudi, if you impress then you stay out there."

Birmingham's Azeem, 25, will also fight at middleweight for the Grand Prix, and unlike his compatriots, has campaigned at his chosen weight in each of his past four contests.

Azeem, who has a day job as a prison custody officer, beat Shane Smith on points in his last outing at the end of February and also holds a win over veteran journeyman Dale Arrowsmith.

"I'm honoured to announce I've been selected for the Grand Prix," he said after being chosen.

"This is a major opportunity to represent on the world stage. With hard work, faith and dedication, I will come out on top."