“The launch ceremony was graced by Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, Governor Punjab. Lt Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan, President POA, and other dignitaries witnessed the occasion as honourable guests and both PBF and PPBL are grateful to all for their support,” the PBF said.

Later talking to this correspondent, PBF secretary Nasir Tung said that the programme would promote boxing in the country. He made it clear that the ownership of the league would remain with the PBF, while PPBL has been given operating rights.

“Forty percent of the revenue will go to the PPBL, while 60 percent will be pocketed by the PBF,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention here that the PPBL is headed by Nauman Shah as its president. Shah is also a representative in Asia of the World Boxing Council (WBC), a professional boxing body.

To a query, Nasir said that the league would be purely conducted under the AIBA rules and regulations. “AIBA statutes permit its national association to collaborate with any one for the promotion of its boxing. However, it has to keep ownership of such matters,” he said.

Nasir said the first edition of the league is expected to be held in September and October. “In the first league, only Pakistani boxers will feature. After that, 20 percent quota will be given to foreign boxers,” Nasir said.

He said PBF’s main problem was money. “When PBF is financially strong, it will serve boxing in the most effective way,” he added.