AF Boxing Gym – The First Professional Boxing Training Gym in Bangladesh

By Md. Asaduzzaman

I am proud to be the Founder and Director of AF Boxing Gym, the first-ever professional boxing training gym in Bangladesh. What began as a dream has now become the foundation of a nationwide movement to develop and empower professional boxing in my homeland.

The Idea: A Vision Born in Germany and Realized in the Philippines

In 2016, I initially planned to establish the gym in Germany, but due to unexpected challenges, I shifted my focus. On November 21, 2016, I officially launched AF Boxing Gym in the Philippines. I started small, working with local children who were instantly drawn to the sport. Their energy and enthusiasm inspired me, and soon, adults joined the training sessions as well.

At the time, I was serving with the Games and Amusements Board, but in my free hours, I spent time mentoring and training at the gym. It wasn’t just a gym—it was a dream factory for future champions.

The Growth: Events, Promotions, and Government Support

In 2017, I expanded our efforts by launching a boxing promotion initiative. Over the next few years, we organized approximately 9 professional boxing events and more than 300 amateur boxing events in the Philippines. The impact was undeniable. The local government recognized and strongly supported AF Boxing Gym, seeing it as a positive force for youth development, discipline, and opportunity.

But even as I found success abroad, my heart remained with my people. I knew that the same opportunity could change lives back in Bangladesh.

Bringing the Legacy Home to Bangladesh

In 2020, I returned to Bangladesh and relocated the entire operation of AF Boxing Gym. I brought the structure, training methods, and equipment to establish a new era of professional boxing in the country. The challenge, however, was much bigger here.

Combat sports promotion was a completely new concept to most people in Bangladesh. The culture of organized professional boxing didn’t exist. But I believed in our people—and so I started from scratch again.

Building a Boxing Community from the Ground Up

I began by teaching and mentoring passionate individuals across the country. Today, most of the professional boxing promoters in Bangladesh have been trained under my guidance. I have always called for unity and mutual respect within the boxing community. I’ve encouraged everyone to work together to make Bangladesh a global boxing hub.

Sadly, due to jealousy and ego among some individuals, many chose to pursue their own paths rather than collaborating. This lack of unity has slowed our collective progress. Still, I continue to walk this journey—determined and focused.

As someone who has been a mentor and trainer in Las Vegas, I brought the speed, skill, and mindset needed to shape boxing in Bangladesh. I used my networks in Colombia, Las Vegas, Japan, and the Philippines to train Bangladeshi trainers and promoters. I continue to teach not only boxing techniques but also humility and professionalism—key values that define true champions.

AF Boxing Gym’s National Impact

Today, AF Boxing Gym stands at the heart of Bangladesh’s boxing revolution. Our fighters, trainers, and mentors have reached communities far and wide. We are affiliated with gyms in almost every district of the country, building a strong grassroots network that fuels national growth.

Our Impact in Numbers:

• 64 districts reached

• Over 700 trained boxers

• 150+ professional-ranked boxers

• 30+ certified professional boxing mentors

• Over 300 amateur events and 9 professional events conducted

This progress has happened within just five years—and it’s only the beginning.

The Call for Support

Even with all our efforts, we still need greater support. Government backing, financial aid, and the encouragement of community leaders and citizens are crucial to sustaining and accelerating this movement.

Boxing has the potential to change lives, build careers, and bring international recognition to Bangladesh. But it takes unity, vision, and support to make this dream a lasting reality.

Conclusion: A Legacy in Progress

Through AF Boxing Gym, we’ve planted the seeds of a boxing industry in Bangladesh. I remain committed to mentoring, training, and guiding the next generation of champions. We are building something historic—and with the right support, we will take Bangladesh boxing to the world stage.

AF Boxing Gym is not just a training center—it’s a movement, a community, and a legacy.