Boxing: ‘Confused’ Waseem shuns training camp

PBF issues warning as boxer seeks assurance on weight issue.

KARACHI: Disappointed over a weight issue and selection dilemma, Pakistan boxer Mohammad Waseem has decided against attending the national training camp, underway in Islamabad, for next year’s Asian Championship.

The tournament is the last opportunity for Pakistan boxers to book a seat for the 2012 London Olympics after they squandered an opportunity at the World Championship.

The Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) said Waseem was yet to convey the reasons behind his absence from the camp that started last month.

“Waseem’s not attending the camp,” the PBF secretary Akram Khan told The Express Tribune. “It’s against the code of conduct and can put his place in the national team at stake.

If he continues to snub the camp, the selection committee and coaches might overlook him while finalising the squad,” added Khan.

Waseem has been involved in a tussle with the federation over weight issues. The difference arose last month at the World Championship where the PBF wanted to field the boxer in the 49-kilogramme (kg) category and give UK-based Haroon Khan a chance in the 52-kg one. However, Waseem stated that he wanted to play in the 52-kg category.

With Haroon not being cleared to represent Pakistan, Waseem took part in the World Championship 52-kg catergory.

But with the UK-based boxer receiving clearance by the sport’s governing body, the issue has recurred as Pakistan prepare for next year’s Asian Championship.

Waseem said he was baffled with the federation’s attitude. “The PBF has confused me,” said the boxer. “Let me know I will be competing in the 52-kg category and I’ll give my sweat and blood. But I don’t want a situation like last month where I was uncertain a day before the bout.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th,  2011.