England’s Olympic boxing medallist and two-time World champion Amir Khan is associated with the Super Boxing League (SBL).
Fighters from his gymnasium in England will take part in the July 5-August 12 competition, to be staged involving eight teams at Delhi’s Siri Fort Complex, according to owner and co-promoter Bill Dosanjh.
Eight teams named for the first edition are Delhi Gladiators, Mumbai Assassins, Haryana Warriors, Sher-E-Punjab, UP Terminators, North-East Tigers, Maratha Yodhas and Southern Super Kings. Each squad will have 12 fighters, including six back-up boxers. Three foreign faces will figure in each team. Bouts will be staged on weekends, six bouts in six weight categories.
Asked about Boxing Federation of India’s (BFI) withdrawal of support to the SBL, Dosanjh said professional boxers did not need to take the federation’s permission.
“A pro boxer like Vijender Singh is not required to get the okay from the Indian federation,” he said. He also mentioned NRIs among Indian fighters ready to take part in the event.
Amir Khan was not present for the launch as he is undergoing treatment in Dubai for a recent injury. He conveyed a message via video.
SBL will be telecast on Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD and Sony Pictures Networks India joining as broadcast partner, said the co-promoter.
Teams taking part in the league are expected to open five gymnasiums across their respective territory over five years.
