British-Pakistani boxer Laura Akram reaches semi-final at World Boxing Challenge
In a groundbreaking achievement for Pakistan’s women’s boxing, Laura Akram has made history by securing the country’s first-ever world-level medal in elite women’s boxing.
The British-Pakistani boxer delivered a dominant performance in her quarterfinal bout at the prestigious World Boxing Challenge, held as part of the Grand Prix Ústí nad Labem in the Czech Republic, to earn a place in the semifinals and ensure herself a spot on the podium.
Akram, 39, who began competing for Pakistan internationally in 2023, was in stellar form during her 5-0 victory over Palestine’s Noura Salman in the 57kg category.
The emphatic win not only confirmed her spot in the semifinals but also clinched Pakistan’s first-ever medal in women’s boxing at the world level, a historic feat for the country.
🏴🇵🇰 Boxer Laura Akram takes Pakistan to the semi-finals! sheb got 5-0 points victory over Nora, Now, she will face Erdenedalai from Mongolia. Laura has become the first female boxer to win a medal in the World Boxing.
She is the current Pakistan National Champion, pic.twitter.com/XxpAFApVTAAs part of Olympic-style boxing events, all semifinalists are awarded a bronze medal, irrespective of the final outcome. Laura Akram’s assured medal marks a significant milestone for women’s combat sports in Pakistan, a field that has often struggled for recognition and support.
Next up for Akram is a semifinal showdown against Mongolia’s Michidmaa Erdenedalai. The winner of that bout will advance to the final, where the gold and silver medals will be contested.
The Grand Prix Ústí nad Labem, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, has special significance within the boxing world.
For the second consecutive year, it has held World Boxing Challenge status and has drawn 184 boxers from 23 national federations.
The tournament, running from June 11-14 at the Winter Stadium, Czechia, is a critical stop on the international boxing calendar, attracting some of the world’s top talents ahead of major events like the 2025 World Boxing Championships.
Akram’s historic medal adds another layer of significance to the competition. With the World Championships in Liverpool fast approaching, her performance in the Czech tournament will only fuel her ambitions for further success on the global stage.
Laura Akram takes Pakistan to the semi-finals with a brilliant 5-0 points victory over Nora .Now she will face Erdenedalai from Mongolia. Laura has become the first female elite boxer to win a medal for Pakistan 🇵🇰 in the World Boxing Challenge.PBF pic.twitter.com/6FvS1RHNbN
Following the conclusion of the World Boxing Challenge, Akram will turn her focus to the upcoming World Boxing Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan, from June 30 to July 6, before heading to Liverpool for the 2025 World Championships.
For now, however, all eyes are on Laura Akram, Pakistan’s newest sporting icon, who continues to rewrite the history books of women’s boxing with each punch she lands.