Usman Wazeer’s fake boxing titles raise alarms over Pakistan’s Pro Boxing ethics

(With original reporting by Natasha Raheel, The Express Tribune)

“Fake it till you make it” may sound like motivational fluff, but for Pakistani boxer Usman Wazeer, it seems to be the entire strategy. Now, experts say that strategy is falling apart—revealing a troubling story of vanity titles, fixed fights, and state-backed recognition without merit.

The 25-year-old boxer, widely known as the “Asian Boy,” is being credited with an undefeated record of 17-0 in professional boxing, racking up belts in Dubai, the Philippines, Pakistan, and mostly in Bangkok, Thailand—a country infamous for hosting low-quality, pay-to-play fights. But scrutiny is growing.

Recently, Wazeer claimed the WBC Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Super Welterweight Silver title after defeating 44-year-old Indonesian boxer Stevie Ongen Ferdinandus. Neither WBC nor OPBF has acknowledged the bout on their official websites or social media. The title he flaunts hasn’t been contested since 2018, and now suddenly reappears—with zero digital trace from credible bodies.

Where’s the record?

Wazeer’s win is also absent from BoxRec, the global boxing database. His opponent was rated just one star, and Wazeer himself is ranked only 2.5 stars, far below the elite level, whcih shows Usman Wazeer’s fake boxing titles. Many of his past opponents don’t even show up in global boxing metrics—meaning they’re either inexperienced, retired, or part of pre-arranged vanity fights.

Even Pakistan’s own Boxing Federation (PBF) has just one official record of Wazeer—dating back to 2015 when he lost a domestic bout to a boxer from Sindh. “Had he been real talent, departments like Army or WAPDA would have picked him up,” said PBF Secretary Major Irfan Younis.

Titles, but no trials

Despite an unverified professional career, Wazeer has bagged Rs 1 million in state funds, the Presidential Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2024, and was honored by CM Sindh in 2025 for defeating an Indian boxer with a half-star rating. Meanwhile, actual Pakistani medalists continue to struggle without any state support.

Expert reactions: “These titles are useless”

Legendary UK coach Danny Vaughan, who trained Pakistan’s internationally recognized boxer Muhammad Waseem, dismissed Wazeer’s wins as “vanity projects.”

“These titles hold no clout. These boxers pay to fight weak opponents in Thailand. It used to happen in Dubai, but even they cracked down on it,” Vaughan told The Express Tribune. “WBC and others don’t even know these guys.”

Waseem, who held legitimate WBC and WBA world titles and fought in global events, echoed the sentiment. “Real boxers put their lives on the line. Wazeer’s rise is based on falsehood and it’s corrupting the sport,” he said.

Kushal Khan’s surprise entry into the ring

Adding more confusion to the already dubious world of professional boxing in Pakistan, popular television actor Kushal Khan has recently started partnering with Usman Wazeer in what appear to be promotional boxing events. Videos and photos have emerged showing Kushal training under Wazeer, with the boxer himself presenting Khan as his protégé and promoting their sessions on social media.

While it's not uncommon for celebrities to dabble in sports for fitness or brand collaborations, Kushal’s involvement in these alleged fight events—some of which are marketed as legitimate bouts—raises serious concerns. The promotional material lacks sanctioning details, and boxing insiders fear these events may be designed more for publicity than for competition.

Critics argue that these high-profile endorsements from celebrities like Kushal risk legitimizing what they believe is a fabricated boxing career. “When actors participate in or promote staged events without oversight, it gives credibility to the illusion,” one coach commented anonymously. “It blurs the line between real sport and spectacle.”

Some insiders also speculate that Kushal’s presence may be part of a larger branding effort to commercialize Wazeer’s image—drawing in sponsors, fans, and media attention for events that lack competitive integrity.

A broken system

Pakistan has no regulatory body for professional boxing. While countries like the UK have boards that prevent such practices, Pakistan allows self-declared “champions” to rise unchecked. Wazeer isn’t alone—other examples include Aliya Soomro, who falsely claimed an international women’s title, and even Zohaib Rasheed, a real medalist who disappeared due to lack of support.

Time for reform

To prevent further degradation of boxing in Pakistan, experts are calling for:

·         A national regulatory authority for pro boxing

·         Verification of title claims before awarding funds or honours

·         Clear pathways from amateur to pro boxing

·         Transparency and athlete protection policies

Until these systems are in place, stories like Wazeer’s will continue to reward illusion over integrity, damaging not just the sport—but the dreams of real fighters.

This article is based on and includes reporting originally published by Natasha Raheel in The Express Tribune with additional reporting from Khel Shel. You can read the full original article here