‘I represent England and Pakistan’
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 20th, 2011.
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@Salman Orangiwala: unlike our neighbours the british have a policy of giving equal oppertunity to their citizens so the only the best of the best may come up.... boxing is something he was born to do and btw he is gratful he is representing the... what makes you say he is not grateful???? just because he knows he is your labeling him taht he is not grateful to the anglo saxons? what a joke
Good luck mate - you have made Pakistanis proud of your achievements. Looking forward to you knockin' out judah and then the Big fight vs. Mayweather - the whole of pakistan will be with you!!
@ Noble. Wherever you are in the world you can never forget your roots. Remember that.
we are so proud of you amir! wish you all the success.
What I like about Amir Khan???
In United Kingdom, National Health Service (NHS) collects the ethnical data for medical purposes as some diseases are very common in some ethnicities (for e.g. diabetes is most common in Asian community (Pakistani, Indians, and Bengalis etc.). It is noted that most of the Asian people categorically refuse to mention their ethnical identities, just because they are ashamed of being Pakistani or Asian and sometimes to avoid some sort of racial problems AND that’s what makes Amir Khan a better Pakistani; he never tried to hide his roots. In fact, he always puts a flag on his boxing-short. He is definitely a proud British-Pakistani and we Pakistani’s are proud of him. As far as dual-nationality is concerned, yeah, it is 100% legal as per Pakistani law. Those, who are criticizing him for being a dual-national; criticize your own law first.
grateful Amir for your heart for Pakistan. But how can you represent Pakistan. Aren't you a British citizen??? you might want to promote inclusiveness in british society instead!
Well done bro! We Pakistanis are proud of you...Keep up the good work..
@Patriotic Pakistani: ignore hammad. S/He is a troll. I.e a person who is looking to create disorder.
@Hamad: and you are not a 'roll model' at all :P
innit man! thats heavy
England proud on you! you make the English people very happy! you are the example/roll model to all young English people in England!!
I love Pakistanis like him.
And We r Proud of you!!