Professional boxing in Timor-Leste is showing new momentum across the Oriental and Pacific region. In July 2026, Delio Anzaqeci Mouzinho captured the OPBF Silver Super Middleweight title, reflecting the country’s growing activity on the international stage.
We spoke with Joel Maria Pereira, Advisor to the Timor-Leste Professional Boxing Association and its founder and first Secretary General, about the current state of professional boxing in the country.
――How popular is boxing in Timor-Leste?
Pereira: “Boxing is the second most popular sport in Timor-Leste after football, and interest is growing, especially among younger people. Facilities are still developing, but the number of participants is increasing, and there is strong potential for further growth.”
――How has professional boxing in Timor-Leste developed over the years?
“Professional boxing held its first event after independence in 2011. International events were then held between 2014 and 2017, and in 2024 we also staged a WBC Asia Pacific title bout. It is important to establish an environment in which professional boxing events can be held on a regular basis, including events connected with national occasions such as Independence Day on May 20.”
――How would you describe the current depth and competitive level of the boxer pool?
“We still do not have a particularly deep pool of boxers, and many are currently gaining experience mainly in bouts of around six rounds. We are still developing, but we are in the process of gradually raising the competitive level. In the past, Odel Negrito fought over 10 rounds and won a WPBF title, which has already shown that boxers from Timor-Leste can reach a higher level.”
――What does the OPBF mean to boxing in Timor-Leste?
“Timor-Leste has produced two OPBF champions in the past, and the OPBF is strongly recognized as an important step toward a world title challenge. In particular, my father, Thomas Americo, won the OPBF title before challenging for the WBC world title in 1981, and that history continues to have a major influence on boxing in Timor-Leste today. The OPBF is extremely important to us, and we hope to further strengthen our relationship with the organization.”
――How would you like to develop professional boxing in Timor-Leste going forward?
“We want to establish regular professional boxing events and raise the competitive standard through international exchange. Our goal is to create an environment in which boxers can gain more experience and progress to the Oriental and Pacific level, and ultimately to the world stage.”
