Afghan boxer Hamid Rahimi wins 1st pro fight in war-torn country with TKO in 7th round

The Associated Press

KABUL - In front of millions of people watching on television across the country, German-based Afghan boxer Hamid Rahimi won the first professional fight in Afghanistan by stopping Said Mbelwa of Tanzania by technical knockout in the seventh round on Tuesday.

Rahimi said his aim in organizing "Afghanistan Fight 4 Peace" was to bring the people of his country together after decades of warfare.

Several hundred spectators watched the bout live in a large hall in the capital, cheering wildly when Rahimi won the vacant WBO intercontinental middleweight title because Mbelwa was unable to continue due to a shoulder injury.

Mbelwa had showboated in the early rounds, but retreated to his corner holding his shoulder in the seventh after Rahimi had delivered four fierce rights in quick succession.