Sports · Other Sports · 39 mins ago
Chessboxing bout in north London ends with Cai Brigden winning on time
Chessboxing combines alternating rounds of chess and boxing in one contest.
At a north London exhibition, Cai Brigden defeated Shayan Zarein Dolab after three rounds of each.
The winner is decided by checkmate, a knockout or, in this case, a player running out of chess time.
Each player has a clock, and reaching zero means losing the chess match.
Dolab said his mind was still in the ring after boxing, and the bout showed how punches can affect a player’s decisions at the board.
Organisers say the sport is serious, despite its theatrical presentation, and fighters can be seriously hurt.
The crowd of about 500 watched the referee raise Brigden’s hand after the match.
Cai Brigden beat Shayan Zarein Dolab in a chessboxing exhibition bout in north London after Dolab’s chess clock ran out.
The contest ended after three rounds of boxing and three rounds of chess.
The bout took place at Soho Theatre Walthamstow in front of a crowd of about 500.
Chessboxing alternates rounds of chess and boxing, with victory decided by checkmate, knockout or a player’s clock running out.
Dolab said his mind was still in the ring after the boxing rounds.
- Who
- Cai Brigden defeated Shayan Zarein Dolab.
- What
- Brigden won a chessboxing bout when Dolab’s chess clock ran out.
- When
- Earlier in the week before the article was published on November 14, 2026.
- Where
- Soho Theatre Walthamstow in north London.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The exhibition bout took place at Soho Theatre Walthamstow in front of a crowd of about 500.
Brigden and Dolab played three rounds of boxing and three rounds of chess.
Dolab’s clock ran out, giving Brigden the win.
- Winner
- Cai Brigden
- Opponent
- Shayan Zarein Dolab
- Venue
- Soho Theatre Walthamstow, north London
- Crowd
- About 500
- Rounds
- Three boxing rounds and three chess rounds
What people are saying
My mind was still in the ring,
The key is to throw your biggest punches just before the end of the round to throw your opponent off their chess game,