BANGKOK: Pakistan’s Usman Wazeer knocked out Thailand’s Somphot Seesa to claim the vacant WBO Youth 147lbs world title in the Highland Boxing Show on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old Usman, who previously won all of his eight professional bouts, was top of the bill in the show as he started confidently in the first round.

He kept on exerting pressure to unsettle his 23-year-old opponent. A flurry of right and left strong blows eventually saw him knocking out Somphot Seesa in the sixth round.

“I want to thank my parents, my coaches who have helped me achieve my goal of becoming the first Pakistan boxer to claim the WBO Youth title,” Usman said after his victory.

Nicknamed Asian Boy, Usman has also moved to the WBO’s welterweight world rankings after the win. He became the Asian welterweight champion for the WBA after flooring down hard-hitting Phatiphan Krungklang in June this year in his hometown in Gilgit-Baltistan. Usman had also bagged the WBC Middle East Champion title last year.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2022