Islamabad, 5 November, 2026 (Nosheen): Pakistan has established a Professional Boxing Board to promote the sport, provide local fighters with international exposure and introduce a transparent regulatory framework for professional boxing in the country. Announcing the initiative at a press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad, board chairman Amir Khan said the organisation would oversee the registration, licensing and training of boxers, referees and judges while pursuing affiliations with leading international boxing bodies. He said the first professional boxing event under the new initiative was expected to be held on February 10 next year. Highlighting the challenges faced by Pakistani boxers, Amir Khan said the country had considerable talent, particularly in Karachi’s Lyari area, but a shortage of boxing academies, modern training facilities and financial assistance had prevented many promising fighters from advancing their careers. He urged the government to provide vacant sports complexes and public land for establishing boxing academies, adding that he was also willing to develop additional facilities through private funding. He noted that financial difficulties and the high costs of participating in international competitions had forced several talented Pakistani boxers to leave the country or represent other nations. The new board aims to provide fighters with opportunities to compete abroad, access international-standard training and secure sponsorships. It will also ensure that boxers receive financial compensation regardless of the outcome of their bouts. Amir Khan said the board would seek affiliations with the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Organization (WBO) and Commonwealth Boxing to enable Pakistani fighters to compete for international titles. He clarified that the board had been established through private-sector efforts and would not depend on government funding or public resources. Emphasising athletes’ safety, he said medical examinations, fitness assessments and other health checks would be mandatory before competitions, while fighters would be matched according to their experience and professional records. Board president Shajjad Khan said the organisation would also focus on developing qualified referees and judges through national and internationally recognised training programmes. Their performance would be regularly evaluated to ensure fair and transparent officiating. General Secretary Tahir Khan said the board aimed to enhance the international standing of Pakistani boxers and technical officials by creating opportunities for local referees and judges to officiate at Asian and international competitions. The board’s legal representative, Sultan Qamar Afzal, said the organisation would safeguard fighters’ rights and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Officials also announced the launch of the online registration portal, Showboxing.com, through which boxers, referees and judges can submit their applications. Applicants will undergo scrutiny, medical examinations and interviews before receiving licences. The board further plans to maintain fighters’ competition records and results on recognised international platforms to ensure transparency, authenticity and protection against unauthorised changes.