Pakistani boxer Laura Akram has made history by winning the country’s first-ever world-level medal in elite women’s boxing at the World Boxing Challenge.

 

The British-Pakistani athlete secured her spot in the semifinals of the tournament, part of the Grand Prix Ústí nad Labem in the Czech Republic, after a dominant 5-0 win over Palestine’s Noura Salman in the 57kg category. This win guarantees at least a bronze medal, as Olympic-style boxing awards medals to all semifinalists.

 

The 39-year-old boxer chose to represent Pakistan internationally in 2023. Already a national champion, she has risen to become one of the most prominent figures in Pakistani boxing in a short time.

 

Laura will face Mongolia’s Michidmaa Erdenedalai in the semifinal bout today.

 

This year’s Grand Prix holds significance as it marks the tournament’s 100-year anniversary, and it is part of the World Boxing Challenge for the second consecutive year. It features 184 boxers from 23 countries, making Laura’s achievement even more impressive.

 

The competition is being held from June 11 to 14 at the Winter Stadium in Czechia and serves as a critical test for boxers ahead of the 2026 World Championships in Liverpool.

 

Following the Grand Prix, the next major milestone for elite boxers will be the World Boxing Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan, from June 30 to July 6.