SBL unveil teams, schedule for India's first ever boxing league

The boxing fever is soon to grip India with its first ever Super Boxing League (SBL) to be held in New Delhi from July 7 to August 12, 2017.

The league is being organised by British businessman Bill Dosanjh, also the founder and promoter of successful Super Fight League and professional boxing sensation & two-time world champion boxer, Amir Khan.

Eight teams comprising of 96 pugilists will come together for twelve league level matches from July 7-30, 2017 followed by two semi finals on the 5th and 6th August and the grand finale on the 12th August, 2017.

The eight teams of the inaugural edition of SBL are Mumbai Assassins, Delhi Gladiators, Haryana Warriors, Sher-E-Punjab, UP Terminators, North East Tigers, Maratha Yoddhas and Southern Super Kings.

"Today's event represents a huge step towards delivering our vision of creating an inspirational international level of contact sports in India," said Bill Dosanjh.

"It's a great feeling to see a concept taking shape and today we have eight teams with the best of industry partners owning them. I am thankful to all team owners for believing in our vision and joining hands in delivering something which will soon be a symbol of aspiration for many young pugilists across globe."

Speaking at the occasion, Amir Khan said, "Long-term partnerships work best for both the brand and the team, where they draw from each other's vigour. SBL is going to be a big leap in the history of boxing and I am confident that it will become one of the most coveted titles in boxing in the years to come."

Each team at the league will have a squad strength of 12 boxers, including six back up boxers. A team will have a mix of five male and one female boxer and can have a maximum of three international boxers.

Each action-packed weekend of SBL will see the best of 6 bouts formats across six weight categories. A bout will have 4 rounds of 3 minutes each.