PUNE, 20 MAY 2022: The Indian Boxing Council (IBC), are now pioneering a South Asian regional union for the sport of Pro boxing and have started working with boxing bodies in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal in setting up regional cooperation in Pro Boxing.
Another chapter to IBC’s mission of making Pro boxing an accessible sport to all was achieved last evening when the Bangladesh Boxing Foundation (BBF) successfully conducted their first ever International Pro Boxing event at the Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka on Thursday (19th May 2022).
The event titled “Xcel South Asian Pro Boxing Fight Night – The Ultimate Glory” featured 6 fights with boxers from three countries – Bangladesh, India, and Nepal.
The event was conducted under IBC’s supervision and able guidance of Gaive Nagporewala (Chairman, IBC Ring Officials Commission) and Dr. Sanjogita Soodan ( Chairperson, IBC Medical Commission) who were in Dhaka for training Ring Officials of the BBF.
Boxing Cooperation in South East Asia
President of IBC, Brigadier PKM Raja, who is in Dhaka to extend his expertise to his Bangladeshi counterparts, said this step will further enhance the scope of Pro boxing in South-East Asia.
“Indian Pro Boxers have started featuring more prominently in the Asian circuit in the last few years, but the leap from being a National Champion to being an Asian Champion is very steep.
Countries like the Philippines, Korea, China and Indonesia have had a longer stint in the sport and naturally dominate the Asian Rankings.
A regional union with our neighbours in Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan and even Pakistan will assist in ushering a whole new window of opportunities for our boxers,” Brig Raja said.
“We are bringing professional boxing for the first time ever to Bangladesh. We want to develop boxing among youngsters across the country through this initiative,” BBF chairman Adnan Haroon said.
“Growth of Pro Boxing in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan is very important to have a strong South-Asian block for the success of the sport at the world level. Once the setup is ready in these countries, more international fights and title bouts can be organized seamlessly in the future. This will also maintain the balance of the sport in a positive way,” Raja said.
