Pakistan has officially established a professional boxing board, a move designed to develop the sport domestically and provide local fighters with a pathway to international competition. The initiative was announced at a press conference held at the National Press Club in Islamabad.
The Pakistan Professional Boxing Board will be responsible for the registration, licensing, and training of boxers, referees, and judges. The organization intends to seek formal affiliations with major international bodies, including the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation, and the World Boxing Organization.
Board chairman Amir Khan emphasized that the organization was established through private-sector efforts and would not rely on government funding. He noted that the board aims to address the current lack of modern training facilities and the financial barriers that have previously forced talented Pakistani boxers to represent other nations.
"We have considerable boxing talent, particularly in Karachi’s Lyari area, but young fighters lack the facilities and financial support needed to develop their careers," Khan said. He added that the board would provide financial compensation to fighters regardless of the outcome of their bouts to ensure their professional sustainability.
Safety and transparency are central to the board's mandate. According to officials, mandatory medical examinations and fitness tests will be required before any competition. Furthermore, fighters will be matched based on their experience and competitive records to ensure fair and safe matchups.
Board president Shajjad Khan stated that the initiative would prioritize the training of officials, with plans to offer national and international-standard courses for referees and judges. Only qualified personnel will be assigned to bouts to ensure consistent and fair officiating.
General secretary Tahir Khan highlighted the board's goal of raising the international profile of Pakistani technical officials, with the hope that they will eventually officiate at major Asian and global competitions. Legal representative Sultan Qamar Afzal added that the board would focus on protecting the rights of fighters.
A digital registration portal, Showboxing.com, has been launched to manage the licensing process for athletes and officials. Applicants will undergo a rigorous vetting process that includes medical checks and interviews before receiving their credentials.
The board has already scheduled its first professional boxing event, which is expected to take place on 10 February 2027. This event will mark the beginning of the organization's efforts to provide a structured platform for professional boxing within the country.
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