(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Usman Wazeer Set to Defend WBC OPBF Silver Title on Home Soil This November
LAHORE: Pakistan’s unbeaten welterweight star Usman Wazeer is preparing for one of the biggest nights of his career as he gears up to defend his WBC OPBF Silver Championship title in Pakistan during the last week of November 2025. The event marks not only a milestone in Wazeer’s journey but also a proud moment for Pakistan’s growing presence in the global boxing arena.
Undefeated Record and Rising Career
The 24-year-old boxing sensation from Astore, Gilgit-Baltistan, holds a perfect professional record of 17 wins with no losses. His upcoming title defense will be his 18th career bout, and he’s determined to extend that streak.
“I’m confident and fully focused on defending my title,” said Wazeer. “This fight is about making history on Pakistani soil and raising the national flag high. My team and I are working tirelessly to ensure a strong performance — my goal is 18-0.”
From Thailand Triumph to Homecoming
Earlier this year, Wazeer claimed the WBC OPBF Silver title in Thailand after an impressive victory over Indonesia’s top-ranked boxer, Stevie Ferdinandus. Recalling that memorable win, Wazeer said, “It was a 10-round fight and tough in the beginning because of his experience — he had over 50 bouts. But I trusted my stamina and game plan. From the fourth round onward, I controlled the fight and knocked him out in the tenth at 2 minutes and 22 seconds.”
The fight was broadcast live on DAZN and viewed in 168 countries, underscoring Wazeer’s growing international following and Pakistan’s emergence on the global boxing map.
Support from ACTIVIT and National Hospital
A major pillar of Wazeer’s success has been ACTIVIT, a sports and health initiative led by Dr. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed, Director of National Hospital DHA Lahore.
“ACTIVIT has supported my last four international fights — financially, medically, and morally,” Wazeer shared. “They’ve been like family to me. Their belief keeps me motivated and focused on achieving more for Pakistan.”
A Journey of Determination and Faith
Wazeer’s rise from humble beginnings to international fame is truly inspirational. Coming from Gilgit-Baltistan, where sports facilities were limited, he initially moved to Islamabad for football trials. But fate guided him toward boxing in 2015 when he joined a local club.
In his debut amateur year, he became Islamabad champion, followed by a gold medal at the HEC All-Pakistan Championship (2017). His standout performance at the 2018 Punjab Games caught the attention of Amir Khan, the British-Pakistani boxing legend, who invited him to train at the Amir Khan Boxing Academy in Islamabad.
Wazeer turned professional in 2019 in Dubai and quickly rose through the ranks. By 2021, he had captured the WBC Middle East title, followed by historic wins in 2022, where he became the first Pakistani to win the WBO World Youth title and also claimed the WBA Asia Welterweight Championship. His victories span multiple countries, including India, Indonesia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Malaysia.
Eyes on History Once Again
Now, as he prepares to step back into the ring in Pakistan, Wazeer aims to inspire the next generation of boxers.
“This fight isn’t just about me,” he said. “It’s about proving that Pakistan can host and win world-class boxing events. I want to make history again — not just for Gilgit-Baltistan, but for all of Pakistan.”
