Islamabad, Jan 4: Usman Wazir, the renowned Pakistani boxer and World Youth Champion, has praised the upcoming World Boxing Championship, scheduled to take place in Pakistan on January 25. This landmark event is set to elevate the profile of boxing in the country and serve as an inspiration for the next generation of athletes. Wazir emphasized the importance of such initiatives for the growth of boxing and other sports beyond cricket in Pakistan.
The championship will feature boxers from five countries, including Indonesia, Iran, Thailand, and France, who will compete in ten bouts for the prestigious title. The event will be hosted in Lahore, a city with a rich history of major sporting events, now stepping onto the global boxing stage. Wazir urged Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan to support the event, highlighting that backing such initiatives is essential for promoting sports diversity and improving Pakistan’s international image.
Wazir also pointed out that, unlike cricket, sports like boxing often receive less attention and support. “Events like this not only uplift boxing but also help promote Pakistan on the global map,” he said.
Khushal Khan, one of Pakistan’s brightest boxing prospects, will participate in the championship, where he will face an Indonesian opponent. Khan, undefeated in 14 fights, credits Wazir as a major source of inspiration. “Usman Wazir’s journey motivated me to take up boxing, and I’m determined to win this championship to bring glory to Pakistan,” Khan shared.
Wazir expressed his goal to expand boxing’s reach across the country, with plans to host future mega-events in Islamabad. “Promoting Pakistan through boxing is my vision, and hosting such events is key to achieving it,” he noted. Both Wazir and Khan highlighted the growing popularity of boxing among Pakistani youth, with many now drawn to the sport by the success stories of local champions.
