Amir Khan unveils new professional boxing board for Pakistan

Former world boxing champion Amir Khan has announced the establishment of the Pakistan Professional Boxing Board, an initiative intended to regulate professional boxing and create international opportunities for Pakistani fighters. Khan unveiled the organisation during a press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad.

The board plans to introduce formal registration, licensing and training systems for boxers, referees and judges. Its officials say these measures will help create a more transparent and organised professional structure while ensuring that participants meet defined standards before taking part in sanctioned contests.

Khan said Pakistan has considerable boxing talent, particularly in Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood and other communities where the sport has a strong following. However, he said many young fighters lack suitable academies, modern training facilities and the financial support needed to build sustainable professional careers.

He urged the government to make vacant sports complexes and available state-owned land accessible for boxing academies. Khan said he was prepared to support the establishment of additional facilities through private resources, while officials maintained that the newly formed board itself would operate through private-sector efforts rather than rely on government funding.

The organisation intends to seek links with major international boxing bodies, including the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Organization and Commonwealth Boxing. Such affiliations could provide Pakistani fighters with recognised competition records and pathways towards regional and international title opportunities.

Khan said registered athletes would be offered access to international-standard training, sponsorship support and opportunities to compete abroad. He added that boxers participating in the board’s events would receive payment regardless of whether they won or lost, addressing a financial barrier that can discourage athletes from remaining in the sport.

Safety and regulatory requirements will form part of the proposed system. Fighters are expected to undergo medical examinations, fitness assessments and other health checks before competition, while matchups would be arranged according to experience and previous records. Referees and judges would also receive training and undergo regular performance assessments before being assigned to events.

Board officials said a registration website has been launched for applications from boxers, referees and judges. Applications will be scrutinised before candidates proceed to medical examinations and interviews, after which eligible participants may receive licences. The board also plans to preserve authentic competition records on recognised international platforms.

The first professional boxing event under the initiative is expected to take place on February 10 next year. The planned show will provide an early test of the board’s licensing, safety and officiating framework, as well as its ability to create credible professional opportunities for Pakistani fighters.