KHAPLU, GILGIT-BALTISTAN: Pakistani boxer Usman Wazeer successfully defended his Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) title by knocking out his Indonesian opponent Ramadhan Weriuw in the first round of World Boxing Council (WBC) Middle East welterweight championship in Dubai on Saturday.  

Hailing from the scenic Astore district of Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region, Wazeer is widely regarded as one of the best contemporary Pakistani boxers. Also known as the “Asian Boy,” he is currently an undefeated welterweight boxer and holds the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) title, being the first Pakistani to achieve the feat.  

The 21-year-old made his professional boxing debut against Moroccan Brahim Oubenais in May 2019 in Dubai, where the former won by a split decision after four rounds, claiming his first professional victory. Wazeer has featured in seven professional bouts and has so far been unbeaten.  

“I have once again defended the Asian title,” the boxer told Arab News in an exclusive interview. “I knocked out my opponent in the first round.”  

In December 2021, Wazeer had knocked out his Tanzanian contender and won the WBC Middle East title in Dubai.  

The Pakistani boxer, who has been practising for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) youth title, wishes to become a world champion.  

"I have been waiting for the fulfilment of the promise (to support me for the youth title) made by the GB government for the last one and a half years,” he said.  

“If the government supports me, I will be able to choose a team, so that I could make preparations with them. And I could fight for Pakistan and become the first ever Pakistani youth champion.”  

In a Facebook post after the victory, Wazeer thanked Almighty Allah and his fans for supporting him. He dedicated his title to the Pakistan Army.  

“I want to dedicate this title to the martyrs of the Pakistan Army. Because in every hard situation, Pakistan Army is there to help the people,” he said in a video message.