Afghan boxer makes history – Wins WBO middleweight belt!

Hamid Rahimi and Said Mbelwa after the fight

Afghan boxer Hamid Rahimi made history today by defeating Tanzanian Said Mbelwa in the 7th round via a technical knockout (TKO) to win the vacant World Boxing Organization Intercontinental middleweight belt in Kabul. This was the first international boxing event to be held in Afghanistan in 30 years. Millions of Afghans both inside and outside the country watched the fight with lots of excitement. The match was dubbed “Fight4Peace”, and Rahimi accomplished his goal of holding a major professional boxing event in Afghanistan.

Rahimi has been telling both Afghan and foreign media that “sports is something that can bring people of all religions and all regions together.” With this win, Rahimi improves his record to 21 wins and only one loss. Mbelwa went into the fight with 19 wins, 8 losses and 4 draws. Mbelwa lost honorably and was a great sport. He even lifted up Rahimi after the match and congratulated him.

See video below.