Akram Pahalwan, also known as Akki, was a specialist in earthen pit and boxing-style wrestling. Emerging in the late 1960s as part of the renowned ‘Bholu Brothers’ tag team, Akram quickly proved himself as one of Pakistan’s finest wrestlers.

Starting his career as a teenager, Akram stood 6 feet tall and weighed close to 250 lbs at his peak. He faced and defeated many prominent opponents, including Haji Afzal, George Gordienko (CAN), Anton Geesink (NED), and Antonio Inoki (JPN). One of his notable victories was against the Ugandan champion Idi Amin in Kampala, as well as the Kenyan champion Mahinder Singh. These triumphs earned him the title of ‘Double Tiger.’

Akram also excelled in tag team competitions with his brothers Aslam and Goga. Despite his impressive career, he experienced some losses, such as to The Lion of Punjab, Kala Pahalwan, and The Honolulu Champion, Antal Haiti. His most significant defeat came against Antonio Inoki in 1976.

Known as the most elegant and quickest of Imam Bakhsh Pahalwan’s six wrestling sons, Akram’s trademark move was the chicken wing armlock. His agility and skill left an indelible mark on the sport of wrestling in Pakistan.