More British boxers to represent Pakistan

KARACHI: Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) is looking forward to bringing at least two British-Pakistani boxers from London’s Stonebridge club by the end of this year so that they can represent Pakistan in the 2012 Olympics.

“We have been approached by Syed Najam Aziz, a former amateur British boxer who co-owns Stonebridge boxing club and TKO boxing club with Tony Cesay, the former two time Amatuer Boxing Association (ABA) champion,” PBF manager Iqbal Hussain told The Express Tribune. “It’s a great opportunity for the federation to capitalise on the patriotism of these boxers from abroad. If they want to fight for Pakistan then PBF is up for it.”

The arrangement for the boxers are being made by Aziz who approached PBF as a part of a vision of promoting boxing as way for stray youngsters to get back to a healthy lifestyle. The PBF, according to the officials, has struck a good sponsorship with the firm based in the UK who is ready to sponsor boxing kits for the boxers from Pakistan in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games which will be held later this year. “There is a great new trend among the British-Muslim youth,” said Aziz.

“They want to get away from aimless street life, and our clubs pick up these boxers at a very tender age and train them. “Cesay has been training more than 15 Pakistani muslims over there and they are making good progress.”

Published in the Express Tribune, May 13th, 2010.