Pakistan’s boxing community is witnessing a heated dispute involving Usman Wazeer and the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF).
Usman Wazeer recently won the WBC OPBF Silver welterweight title after defeating Indonesia’s Stevie Ongen Ferdinandus. This victory made him the first Pakistani boxer to earn a WBC Silver welterweight belt. However, the PBF has dismissed his achievement, claiming the title and his career accomplishments are “fabricated and purchased.”
The Pakistan Pro-Green Boxing Federation (PGBF) has supported the PBF’s stance. They allege that Usman Wazeer’s unbeaten record is a result of financial deals rather than genuine victories. Officials claim he faced weaker opponents and influenced outcomes through payments to fighters, referees, and judges. Reports suggest more than PKR 45 million may have been spent to maintain Wazeer’s champion image.
According to these federations, rival boxers were allegedly paid between $1,500 and $5,000 to lose intentionally. Referees and judges were also reportedly influenced. They further stated that Usman Wazeer’s latest WBC Silver title has a market value of just $3,000.
“Usman Wazeer is not a genuine world-class athlete but a product of weak opponents and purchased titles,” the PGBF said. They warned that promoting him as a national hero could mislead young athletes in Pakistan.
Born in Gilgit, Usman Wazeer is currently ranked 86th globally. He has not publicly responded to these allegations. Experts say this controversy highlights ongoing issues in Pakistan’s boxing system, including governance and transparency.
While Usman Wazeer’s achievements have made headlines, the debate raises questions about fairness and accountability in the sport. Both the PBF and PGBF have called for stricter regulations and oversight to ensure integrity in professional boxing matches.
The ongoing dispute underscores the challenges faced by Pakistan boxing in maintaining credibility, even as talented athletes like Usman Wazeer strive for international recognition.
In other related news also read Pakistani student Ayesha Mumtaz wins bronze at Asian Junior Boxing Championship
