Pakistan boxing strikes gold after 66 years
Country given professional status by sport’s world governing body .
In the past, top boxers like Shah Hussain Shah had to travel to England, US or even Thailand to participate in the professional circuit, but local pugilists can now enjoy the opportunity at home. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
Pakistan has become the newest member of the World Boxing Council (WBC), where the country will be represented in the professional circuit for the first time.
Up until now, the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) had been affiliated with the International Amateur Boxing Association. However, a Pakistan delegation from the newly formed Pakistan Professional Boxing League (PPBL) is participating for the first time in history in the ongoing 51st World Boxing Council Convention in Thailand.
“It is a big step for Pakistan boxing because this is the first time our country will be part of the professional circuit after 66 years of our existence as a nation,” PPBL Chief Operating Officer Umer Toor told The Express Tribune.
“The formation of the league means that we can hold international professional boxing events in Pakistan.”
In the past, top boxers like Shah Hussain Shah had to travel to England, US or even Thailand to participate in the professional circuit, but local pugilists can now enjoy the opportunity at home.
“Boxers from other countries can also participate in our events,” added Toor. “It’s going to be a big change and a historic step.”
He further said that the event will be organised on the model of the Indian Premier League, while adding that Spanish promoter Antonela Maria Obreja of the WBC is also visiting Pakistan to gain the know-how of the sport in the country.
According to Toor, the PPBL is not affiliated with the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).
Published in The Express Tribune, November 8th, 2013.
Pakistan has become the newest member of the World Boxing Council (WBC), where the country will be represented in the professional circuit for the first time.
Up until now, the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) had been affiliated with the International Amateur Boxing Association. However, a Pakistan delegation from the newly formed Pakistan Professional Boxing League (PPBL) is participating for the first time in history in the ongoing 51st World Boxing Council Convention in Thailand.
“It is a big step for Pakistan boxing because this is the first time our country will be part of the professional circuit after 66 years of our existence as a nation,” PPBL Chief Operating Officer Umer Toor told The Express Tribune.
“The formation of the league means that we can hold international professional boxing events in Pakistan.”
In the past, top boxers like Shah Hussain Shah had to travel to England, US or even Thailand to participate in the professional circuit, but local pugilists can now enjoy the opportunity at home.
“Boxers from other countries can also participate in our events,” added Toor. “It’s going to be a big change and a historic step.”
He further said that the event will be organised on the model of the Indian Premier League, while adding that Spanish promoter Antonela Maria Obreja of the WBC is also visiting Pakistan to gain the know-how of the sport in the country.
According to Toor, the PPBL is not affiliated with the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).
Published in The Express Tribune, November 8th, 2013.