Waseem becomes Pakistan's first silver flyweight champion

Quetta-based pugilist defeats Philippines’ Jether Oliva in Seoul, South Korea

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Muhammad Waseem became the country’s first boxer to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver flyweight title as he defeated Philippines’ Jether Oliva at the Hilton Hotel in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday.

The judges unanimously declared the Quetta-based boxer as the winner, after he battled against his opponent for 12 rounds.

Waseem, nicknamed Falcon, is the only Pakistani boxer competing at the professional circuit. He made a move to professional boxing after getting disheartened with the Pakistan Boxing Federation’s (PBF) negligence towards the boxers.



Currently, the 28-year-old is working with Korean promoter Andy Kim and was trained for this bout by Floyd Mayweather’s uncle Jeff Mayweather in Las Vegas, Nevada for a month.

After an evenly matched first two rounds, the Pakistani pugilist picked up the pace and dominated the encounter till the final bell.

Previously, Waseem had only taken up three bouts and had won all of them on knock-outs. He was aiming for the fourth knock-out of his career, however, Oliva stood his ground.



Prior to the bout, he told The Express Tribune that he was ready for the fight and to win without any doubt. “I’m ready for the fight, and I’ve been working for this opportunity all my life,” he said.

Meanwhile, the WBC Silver flyweight champion is aiming to become the WBC World Champion after picking four more wins this year to challenge for the title. Two years ago he won silver at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

According to Express News, Balochistan’s chief minister Sanaullah Zehri congratulated the Quetta-based boxer on his historic achievement. Also, the provincial sports minister announced Rs 0.5 million for the 28-year-old on his fourth professional boxing win.