ISLAMABAD: Profess­ional boxing got a major breakthrough in the country on Tuesday when the Pakistan Professional Boxing League (PPBL) intro­duced the first-ever pro belt in Pakistan.

The belt titled ‘Pakistan Professional League’ and bearing a golden coloured face image of Pakistan’s national animal Markhor as well as photos of PPBL board members was introduced during a ceremony in Islamabad.

“Prospects for professional boxing are very bright in Pakistan. I am sure this belt will give a massive boost to prizefighting in the country,” PPBL chairman retired Gen Ehsan-ul-Haq told APP after the ceremony.

“On this occasion, I want to congratulate Pakistani pugilists and boxing fans on joining the pro boxing bandwagon.

“While forming our organisation [PPBL], we had promised with the nation that we’ll promote professional boxing in the country. We are steadfast on our path and taking steps towards our destination.”

Terming the launching of the professional belt as a huge milestone, Ehsan said it would help transform the country’s boxers into real prizefighters.

“Soon we’ll be moving towards our next milestone when we hold super boxing title in Pakistan in three categories wherein boxers from our country as well as abroad will chip in,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion PPBL president Syed Nauman Shah said the PPBL would send letters to the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) for the approval of the belt.

He said the launching of the belt would create a sense of competition among the country’s budding boxers.

“This will belt will offer them a perfect opportunity to try their hand on the professional circuit. This will also offer them the chance to get deals from the promoters. Under this belt, well also bring international boxers to Pakistan for exhibition bouts,” Nauman added.

“There are many highly talented boxers in Pakistan and if they get a proper platform they could turn into real champions,” Nauman insisted.

“I am sure this belt is going to create an instant impact on our young guns, paving the way for them to turn professional and win titles to become stars.”

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2020