Boxing in Bangladesh has been experiencing notable changes in recent time with a couple of organizational platforms offering the amateur boxers the opportunity to become professional boxer through license, contract and promotions.
Even five years ago, there was no current or former professional boxer in Bangladesh except Kazi Shahadat Hossain who, along with Murshid Kuli, went to Japan to fight a professional bout in 1989 to emerge as the first of its kind from the country.
Then it was Sura Krishna Chakma in 2018 as the former Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan boxer played two professional bouts in India to record his name as the first professional boxer from Bangladesh to be displayed on boxrec, the official record keeper of the sport of boxing.
The scenario however, has altered rapidly in the last couple of years.
Currently, a total of 75 names including 59 male and 16 female boxers from Bangladesh are included in boxrec.
Recently founded Bangladesh Boxing Foundation has been providing professional boxing opportunities to the amateur boxers and also promising them international exposure.
BBF, formed early this year, is the only organization in Bangladesh recognized and affiliated by World Boxing Council, one of four major organizations which sanction professional boxing bouts.
It has already organized a tri-nation professional boxing competition that created buzz in the capital last May, followed by a couple of local pro boxing shows attended by top local boxers.
Around 30 amateur boxers of the country made professional debut through BBF and the best among them got contracted by promotor Xcel Sports Management & Promotions.
The systemic journey of Bangladesh boxers in the professional boxing scenario is a recent phenomenon that came into existence only two years ago.
It has been informed that there are two commissions in Bangladesh for sanctioning professional boxing.
Apart from BBF, there is Bangladesh Professional Boxing Society which was established in 2020 but failed to attract prominent boxers.
Winner Al Amin in welter category at Rumble in Gulistan 2
BPBS is not affiliated by any of the four major world governing bodies of professional boxing but it has already organized a number of pro boxing events attended by more than 50 boxers.
But almost all of them were unknown to the country’s sports arena.
The organization also couldn’t develop good relation with Bangladesh Amateur Boxing Federation, the national federation which is responsible for regulating the sport in the country.
“They don’t have quality boxers. All are new players. Their relation with federation is also not good. It’s difficult for their boxers to survive in the long run,” Shahadat, who is now Ansar’s boxing coach, told Dhaka Tribune.
One of BPBS’ noteworthy achievement thus far came from the hands of Joynul Islam who beat Ajit Magar to become the winner in super light category in a pro boxing competition in Nepal titled “South Asian Pro Boxing Championship” in March.
Joynul’s involvement in boxing is only two years old.
He used to live in Dubai where he had practiced kick boxing before returning home to start professional boxing under BPBS with no experience in amateur boxing or any national championship.
He now has eight bouts to his name and one of only two 8-rounders in the country.
BBF, on the other hand, kicked off with a bang.
They managed to rope in top boxers of the country who had vast experience in national events previously.
To name a few - Sura Krishna, Al Amin and Shamina Akter.
Sura Krishna and Al Amin had international success too.
Shamima Akter in action against Saneya Sultana KhukumoniThe first international event under the banner of BBF was a hit. It was named South Asian Pro Boxing Fight Night - The Ultimate Glory and held in Dhaka.
Sura Krishna beating Mahendra Bahadur Chand of Nepal in lightweight category and Al Amin winning over other Nepalese boxer Bharat Chand in welterweight category were highlights of the show.
Al Amin, who has been in boxing for more than two decades, explained why he chose BBF over BPBS.
“They have problems,” the South Asian Games bronze-medalist told Dhaka Tribune.
He continued, “Their contract offer was not convincing. They wanted money from us instead. They took money from many boxers for the sake of license. They also had no facility.”
A BPBS official who wished to remain anonymous admitted that they take money for license as processing fee but nothing extra.
Another deficient of BPBS is that they don’t have notable trainers or coaches with the exception of Md Asaduzzaman who was trained in Philippines. Asaduzzaman is the founder and chairman of BPBS.
He is also coach, mentor and promotor. He is currently outside the country. An attempt was made to his whatsapp number for comments but to no avail.
BBF chairman Adnan Haroon was the vice chairman of BPBS before opening his new venture. He said he left BPBS due to corruption and fraud.
Taking lessons, he built up a relation with the federation and is trying to bring professional attitude to the game in terms of license, contract and promotion.
As professional boxing is increasingly dependent on sponsors, Haroon told Dhaka Tribune, “There’s no profit now but we trying to bring sponsors. More promoters are also coming. Our goal is to develop the boxers, make them truly professional and provide them international exposure.”
Al Amin, one of the country’s finest boxers, is also hopeful with the prospect of pro boxing in Bangladesh.
He said, “It’s just the beginning. The more events take place, the better. When we will be 8-rounder, we can participate in bigger tournaments and earn more money. Our ranking will also improve. If it continues, we will reach a good position in professional boxing.”
