On Friday, Kurdish boxer Badien Hasso kept his WBC International Light-Heavyweight title, defeating German challenger David Kerkmann via technical knockout in the second round, the official website of the World Boxing Council (WBC) reported.

The match took place in Mülheim, Germany.. 

Following the victory, Hasso — who was born in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq — reaffirmed his identity and his strong desire to be officially recognized under the flag of his native region, the WBC said.

According to the WBC, Hasso also hopes to showcase his potential to Sardar Ismail, the Director General of Sports in Kurdistan, who watched the match, and to bring high-level boxing to Kurdistan.

The WBC said that the champion is expected to move up significantly in the upcoming world rankings.