Tensions are heating up in Lyari, Karachi’s famed boxing hub, as a fierce rivalry emerges between two rising female stars of the sport. Gohar Taj, a 19-year-old national silver medallist, has issued a bold public challenge to Alia Soomro, who recently declared herself Pakistan’s first professional female boxer.
In a viral video message, Gohar confidently called out Alia, saying, “I openly challenge Alia Soomro to step into the ring with me—anywhere in Pakistan. Let’s find out who the real queen of the ring is!” Gohar, who serves in the Pakistan Navy and boasts both Sindh and inter-provincial gold medals, disputed Alia’s claim of winning a professional title in Thailand.
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The challenge follows Alia’s announcement of her upcoming international fight in Dubai against an Indian opponent, backed by the Sindh government. However, Gohar pointed out that Alia has only competed at the district level and questioned the legitimacy of her professional status.
Both women come from Lyari, a neighborhood with a proud legacy of producing boxing and football champions. Now, the stage appears set for what could be a groundbreaking all-female clash—one that promises more than just fists, but a fight for recognition, respect, and the future of women’s boxing in Pakistan.
