‘I represent England and Pakistan’

World champion Amir Khan ‘fully prepared’ ahead of tough bout against Judah.

KARACHI:

British boxer Amir Khan believes extensive training and determination is key ahead of his fights but a huge boost comes from the fans’ support and prayers from the land of his ancestors: Pakistan.

The world light-welterweight champion is currently giving final touches to his preparations as he faces the IBF champion Zab Judah on Saturday in Las Vegas. The 25-year-old boxer, born in Bolton, is geared up for his light-welter weight unification bout, loving the support he is getting from fans all over the world, especially from Pakistan which has proved to be extra motivation for the Athens Olympics silver medallist.

“My preparation is really good,” Amir told The Express Tribune in an interview from Las Vegas. “I’ve been working hard for the past 10 weeks and my trainer Freddie [Roach] is confident that I’ll do well. I’m possibly in my best condition right now.

“I have support from all around the world, especially from the people in Pakistan who pray for me and it goes a long way in helping me.”

Ready to assist Pakistan boxing

Amir, nick named as King Khan, said he has a special place in his heart for Pakistan and was ready to assist the sport in the country.

“I’ll do whatever I can to help Pakistan boxing,” said Amir. “I’m in touch with the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) President Doda Khan and I’m ready to provide any assistance,” he said while adding that the Pakistan boxers will be trained at his academy in UK ahead of the London Olympics qualifiers.

“We’ll be extending our boxing facility to Pakistan during the camp.”

The boxer also hinted at visiting the country during the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing event in October.

“I’d like to visit Pakistan every year or twice a year and this time I’m likely to come after Ramazan.”

‘Haroon to represent Pakistan’

Meanwhile, Amir confirmed that his younger brother Haroon, who clinched the bronze medal for Pakistan at last year’s Commonwealth Games, will represent the country at the Olympic qualifiers.

“Haroon will be representing Pakistan there and hopefully qualify for the London Games.”

Amir added that he felt proud over representing England and Pakistan.

“Along with England, I also represent Pakistan and it is a great achievement for me. People ask me and I say I am a British Pakistani and that’s a great feeling.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20^th, 2011.