Pakistani Boxer Makes History With WIBA World Title Win

Pakistani boxer Abida Batool has achieved a historic milestone by clinching the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) world atomweight title. The 26-year-old from Quetta defeated Thailand's Wandee Sinongkhrot in Pattaya, securing the vacant title through a split technical decision on October 31 at FCC Stadium during the “Brave Hearts” boxing event.

The scheduled eight-round bout was halted in the fifth round due to an accidental headbutt, causing Batool to sustain a fractured nose. The ringside doctor called off the fight, and the outcome was determined by the judges' scorecards. Two judges gave the fight to Batool with scores of 50-45 and 49-48, while the third judge awarded Sinongkhrot 48-47.

As the first Pakistani woman to win a WIBA world title, Batool has made significant strides in her professional boxing career, becoming the top female professional boxer in Pakistan and the third in the WBC Asia rankings. This victory follows her second title fight in Thailand this year, where she lost to Wisuta Sririttidet for the WBC Asia atomweight title in January.

Batool's journey had its share of challenges, including financial difficulties and initial family resistance. Despite these obstacles, she persevered through extensive training in Islamabad before traveling to Thailand for the competition. Post-victory, Batool expressed gratitude to her family, coach Shariq Khan, and the people of Pakistan for their unwavering support, stating, "This is just the beginning. I'm coming for more titles."