Usman Wazeer set to defend WBC OPBF Silver title on home soil

Pakistan’s rising boxing star Usman Wazeer is set to defend his WBC OPBF Silver title at home next month, a move seen as a major boost for the sport’s profile in the country.

Wazeer, who captured the belt earlier this year in Thailand after defeating Indonesia’s top-ranked boxer Stevie Ferdinandus, said he was eager to perform in front of his home fans.

“It was a 10-round fight and the first three rounds were tough because of his experience, over 50 fights. But I trusted my stamina and game plan. I gained control from the fourth round onwards and knocked him out at 2 minutes and 22 seconds in the tenth,” he recalled.

The bout, broadcast live on DAZN and viewed in 168 countries, cemented the 24-year-old’s growing global reputation.

Now preparing for his 18th professional bout, Wazeer remains unbeaten with a perfect 17-0 record. “I’m confident about defending my title. I want to make history on Pakistani soil and raise the national flag with pride,” he said.

“My coach and team are working hard to prepare me for this challenge, and I’ll be aiming for 18-0.”

Wazeer credited the sports and health initiative ACTIVIT, led by Dr. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed, for supporting his career. “ACTIVIT sponsored my last four international fights, which I won. Their backing, from financial aid to medical support for me and my family, has been a major morale booster,” he said.

Born in Astore, Gilgit-Baltistan, Wazeer’s rise has been remarkable. Initially pursuing football, he shifted to boxing in 2015, later winning the Islamabad championship and gold at the 2017 HEC All-Pakistan Championship. His performances caught the eye of British-Pakistani boxing icon Amir Khan, who invited him to train at his academy in Islamabad.

Since turning professional in 2019, Wazeer has collected multiple regional titles, including the WBC Middle East, WBO World Youth, and WBA Asia Welterweight championships, defeating opponents from India, Indonesia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Malaysia.

“This fight is not just about me. It’s about raising the Pakistani flag on our own soil and showing the world what we’re capable of,” Wazeer said. “With my team behind me, I’ll correct my weaknesses and aim for perfection. I want to make history again, not just for Gilgit-Baltistan, but for all of Pakistan.”