Afghanistan To Host First Professional Boxing Match

Afghanistan is to host its first professional men's boxing match on Tuesday, amid tight security in the capital Kabul.

The 12-round bout is for the vacant World Boxing Organisation Intercontinental middleweight belt.

German-born Afghan boxer Hamid Rahimi will fight Tanzanian Said Mbelwa.

Millions of Afghans are expected to watch the match, which will be broadcast live. The Taliban banned boxing towards the end of their rule.

Organisers have dubbed the match a "Fight 4 Peace" and say it is being hosted to make a statement of freedom to take part in sport in a country blighted by war and militancy for decades.

Correspondents say the fight is likely to be a sell-out and has attracted interest from fans all over the country.

'Overwhelming' excitement

Mbelwa, 23, fights in the super-middleweight division and has a record of 31 fights with 19 wins, eight losses