Amir Khan ready to help Pakistani boxers
Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 2:01:13 by Faisal Farooq
Amir Khan, the Pakistani-origin British boxer expressed concerns over the demise of the sport in Pakistan, the country of his ancestors, vowing he will assist the local boxers prepare for the 2016 Olympic Games.
The legendary boxer is desperate to regain his WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles, after the much-anticipated rematch between him and Lamont Peterson was cancelled after the American failed a drug test.
He expressed his disappointment after Pakistani players failed to get even a single berth for the 2012 London Olympics. Similar was happed in Beijing Games back in 2008.
Speaking to the media he observed, “It’s very disappointing that nobody qualified for the mega event. We have great talent in Pakistan but I think we need to invest in improved facilities and coaching”.
He added, “Keeping that in mind, I’m available if Pakistan boxing needs any help. I offered my gym in Bolton to the Pakistan boxers ahead of their qualifiers too. This offer will always be open to them”.
The British boxer expressed hopes that Mohammad Waseem, currently number one Pakistani player, will earn name for the country. Waseem, the Quetta-based pugilist turned professional recently after being offered the chance by the AIBA Professional Boxing.
Amir Khan was of the opinion that Mohammad Waseem could be a good professional but he would have needed the right training. In his view, amateur boxing is completely different from professional boxing and he offered his complete support to the Quetta-based player.
He noted, “I will probably visit Pakistan after Ramadan now. The main thing will be to meet my fans because they very rarely get to see me as I am so far away”.
According to the media report, the legendary boxer will give tips to local athletes during his tour to Pakistan in the coming months.
Amir Khan expressed disappointment after his rematch with Peterson was cancelled saying, “I was really upset and angry because I trained very hard for this fight”.
He asserted that he wanted to knock him out this time but at the same time he feels that justice has been done. He said he got knew that something was not right after everything that went on with the first fight.
He expressed hopes that the commission will class that fight as a no contest and will return the belts to him.
Tags: AIBA, american, Amir Khan, British boxer, IBF, Lament Paterson, Mohammad Waseem, Pakistani athletes, Pakistani-origin, Quetta, US, WBAShort URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=22345
Posted by Faisal Farooq
on May 15 2012. Filed under Pakistan, Sports.
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Demise of the sport? They didn’t qualify that doesn’t mean the sport is dying in Pakistan. Boxing has been gradually getting bigger there these last few years as well as India.
Thats greta! Hats Off to Amir. I hope our Ministry of Sports or else should consider this great opprtunity and should invite him to train our talent. Moreover, boxing is one of the highest paying sports, this may increase foreign remittances.
I love this Guy. He needs to come to Pakistan and suggest the authorities for all the arrangements/facilities they need. So in this way he can improve the quality as well.
I personally think the people who are concerned with boxing in Pakistan are not directing thier boxers the only reason is this government of PPP is corrupt and i personally think that the president of boxing is a con man ! Amir sholuld stay awey too