For the first time, a Bangladeshi professional boxer has qualified under the prestigious World Boxing Council (WBC).
In a country where cricket and football dominate the sporting scene, boxing often goes unnoticed. But Muhammad Utshob Ahmed, a young boxer from Rajshahi, is breaking barriers and putting Bangladesh on the world boxing map.
For the first time, a Bangladeshi professional boxer has qualified to compete under the prestigious World Boxing Council (WBC).
19-year-old fighter Utshobu will fight for the WBC Asia Silver super flyweight title against India's top contender, 32-year-old Mazar Hussain. According to a media release, the historic bout is scheduled for May 25 at the Intercontinental Dhaka during the Beximco Excel Boxing Championship (XBC) 3.0.
The WBC is one of the four major international boxing organizations and its belt is one of the most prestigious in the sport.
Bangladesh has already produced its first professional boxing star in Suro Krishna Chakma, who fights in the lightweight division, but Utsukhov is making headlines in the flyweight division. He is one of the youngest boxers from Bangladesh to reach the world stage.
In the world of boxing, championship belts are highly contested and must be defended or relinquished on a regular basis. The silver super-flyweight belt is currently vacant, giving Utsukhov and Mazar the chance to win it.
Through XBC Xcel Sports Management & Promotions, Utsukhov earned a shot at the title. Ranked 99th out of 784 fights in the world in the flyweight division, Utsukhov's impressive record includes eight fights, totaling 28 rounds, with 37.5% of his fights ending in KO. He is undefeated and has won eight games in a row, making him a formidable player.
Utsukhov's journey to professional boxing began on May 19, 2022. Growing up without his father, Utsukhov was supported by his maternal family, and his mother Ayesha Khatun became his only support. His passion for boxing was evident from his early childhood and he started his first match at the age of seven. Utshob's uncle recognized his talent and enrolled him for training at Bangladesh Ansar VDP in Shafipur. There, his skills caught the attention of World Kumite Organization President Robert McInnes.
Financial difficulties were a constant challenge, but Utsukhov's determination never wavered. Xcel Sports Management & Promotions saw his potential and gave him the support he needed moving forward. Utshob has faced and defeated many emerging boxers from Bangladesh, including his notable wins at BoxStar Series 1 tournaments and Path to Glory events.
His most significant win was a unanimous decision victory over undefeated Indian bantamweight Pawan Kumar Arya at Beximco XBC 2. Utshobu has also won a gold medal in the 1st Bangabandhu Boxing Tournament in 2018 and a silver medal in his youth games in Bangladesh. He won the gold medal at the 22nd Junior Boxing Tournament.
XBC is collaborating with WBC Asia to organize the first WBC Asian title match in Bangladesh. In addition to Utkhov's highly anticipated bout, other domestic boxers will also face international opponents from China, France, India, Iran, Thailand and Turkey.
Boxing enthusiasts can watch the event live at the venue or watch live coverage on T Sports and Bongo. The event will run from 6pm to 11pm.
