The Pakistan Professional Boxing Board has been officially launched to promote professional boxing within Pakistan and introduce local players to the global stage. The board intends to establish a transparent, safe, and organized system that aligns with international standards. According to an announcement made by Chairman Amir Khan at a press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad, the first professional boxing show is expected to take place on February 10 next year.
Chairman Amir Khan stated that Pakistan currently faces a shortage of modern gymnasiums and boxing academies, despite the existence of immense talent in Lyari, Karachi, and other regions. Khan noted that young athletes lack the necessary facilities to polish their skills and requested that the concerned authorities cooperate in setting up academies on vacant sports complexes and available state land. He stated he has repeatedly requested land for these academies and expressed readiness to build more on a self-help basis if facilities are provided.
The board, which Khan clarified is a private-sector initiative that will not rely on government funding or public resources, aims to create opportunities for foreign bouts, world-class training, and sponsorships. Khan stated that boxers will be paid regardless of whether they win or lose, aiming to provide merit-based opportunities. To ensure bouts follow international rules, the board will include legal experts, experienced referees, judges, and technical experts. Furthermore, the board will seek affiliation with the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, and Commonwealth Boxing to allow Pakistani boxers to compete for international titles.
Health and safety are cited as top priorities. Mandatory medical examinations, fitness tests, and other necessary checks will be required before bouts. The board will avoid mismatched bouts between boxers with clear gaps in experience and records, and will not allow irrelevant persons in the ring or unprofessional arrangements.
President Shajjad Khan stated that the board will prioritize the training and competence of technical officials. National and international standard courses will be held for referees and judges, whose performance will be assessed to ensure only eligible officials are assigned to duties for transparent decisions. General Secretary Tahir Khan added that the objective is to give Pakistani boxers, referees, and judges global recognition, with the hope that local officials will soon officiate at Asian and world-level events.
Legal representative Sultan Qamar Afzal stated that the board will ensure a strong, organized system, legal compliance, and the protection of players’ rights. Registration is currently open at http://Showboxing.com. Applications will be scrutinized, followed by medical tests and interviews before licenses are issued. To prevent tampering, results and records will be preserved on authentic international platforms.
