Professional Boxing In Azerbaijan Is On Threshold of All-New Era

Professional boxing in Azerbaijan got a boost earlier this month when the Azerbaijan Professional Boxing Federation held an election to choose a new president and at the same time upgrade its plans for the sport’s future in the Caspian country.

Artyom Hasanov was elected president, thanks to a 10-year track record in boxing.

“The Professional Boxing Federation intends to carry out various activities for the future development of this sport in the country,” Hasanov said in his speech he delivered after assuming the presidency of the federation at the election conference, according to Oxu.az.

Part of federation’s plan for the near-term is to bring in international expertise and seek cooperation with professional boxing's official record keepers.

“We will cooperate with professional boxing organizations such as WBA, WBC, IBF, as well as the national federations of foreign countries and official boxing record and ranking keepers FIGHTFAX and BOXREC. The Professional Boxing Federation is also expected to cooperate with the Boxing Federation of Azerbaijan and select potential professional boxers from among amateur boxers,” said Hasanov.

The Professional Boxing Commission that was established under the federation will ensure that professional coaches, doctors, and other people pass qualifying exams, and that fights organized by marketing and promotion companies are in line with relevant rules.

In addition, cooperation with marketing and sports promotion companies, to help raise the profile of professional boxing in Azerbaijan and broadcast professional tournaments, is said to be in the works.

"The Federation will cooperate with promotion companies for high-level organization of events. Promotion companies are expected to organize and broadcast professional boxing tournaments and international level Shows / Gala tournaments. Cooperation with promotion companies will play an important role in the promotion and career growth of boxers, which will create opportunities for local fighters to become international professional boxing stars," Hasanov said. 

Before taking over the presidency of Azerbaijan Professional Boxing Federation, Artyom Hasanov led Baku Fight Lab, a professional sports club in Azerbaijan’s capital city, for roughly 10 years. Its athletes, both men and women, have participated and won medals in national and international tournaments. Hasanov’s leadership is expected to raise the status of professional boxing in Azerbaijan.