Assam-selected boxers represent Eastern Tigers as IABF Pro Boxing League opens

NEW DELHI, July 8, 2026 — The inaugural Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) Pro Boxing League (PBL) Season 1 got underway at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, marking the beginning of India's first franchise-based professional boxing league.

The opening day featured two league ties, with Punjab Fighters defeating Andhra Warriors, while Madhya Maha Yoddhas overcame Eastern Tigers. Despite the team defeat, the Eastern Tigers secured three bout victories in a closely contested encounter.

The league assumes added significance for Assam as several members of the Eastern Tigers squad earned selection through the Kaziranga Rhino Cup 2026, held at Golaghat Stadium from June 5 to 7. The championship served as the second qualifying event for the Pro Boxing League, with eight boxers—five men and three women across different weight categories—selected for the professional league.

The Kaziranga Rhino Cup was organised as a national-level qualifying tournament aimed at identifying emerging boxing talent from across the country. The event provided an important platform for boxers from the Northeast to compete for places in the inaugural franchise league.

The five-day league features four franchise teams—Eastern Tigers, Punjab Fighters, Andhra Warriors and Madhya Maha Yoddhas—competing across men's and women's weight categories in a team-based professional format. The competition concludes on July 10 with the championship final.

The league is being broadcast live on JioHotstar, DD Sports and Waves OTT, bringing India's newest professional boxing competition to audiences across the country.