Moroccan King congratulates boxer Widad Bertal, crowned world champion

King Mohammed VI has sent a message of congratulations to Moroccan boxer Widad Bertal, who was crowned world champion in the 52-54 kg category at the Serbia 2025 Women’s World Boxing Championships.

In the message, the King extends his warmest congratulations to the world champion for this achievement, recognizing it as a testament to her perseverance and ambition to raise the national colors on the podium and secure her place among the great champions.

The Monarch, who affirmed having shared the Moroccan pugilist’s feelings of great joy and pride following this well-deserved coronation, wished her even greater success in her forthcoming competitions.

Widad Bertal, gold medalist at the African Championships in Yaoundé in 2023 and in Kinshasa in 2024, triumphed in the final against Turkish Hatice Akbas, world champion in 2022 and vice Olympic champion at the Paris 2024 Olympics, winning 5 points to 2.

Another Moroccan, Hasna Larti, won the bronze medal after reaching the semi-finals (75-81 kg category) at the expense of Bulgarian Victoriya Kebikava, thanks to a victory by RSC (Referee Stopping Contest).

During the Boxing World Championships, Moroccan Oumayma Semlali was named the best referee and judge at the event, which took place in Nis, Serbia, March 8 to 16.

The Royal Moroccan Boxing Federation (FRMB) congratulated the referee in a post on its website. “We are proud of the Moroccan Oumayma Semlali, elected the best referee at the Women’s Boxing World Championships. A well-deserved recognition,” stated the FRMB.