Boxing: Haroon has to prove his worth says PBF

Boxer’s show will determine his place for the Olympic qualifier.

KARACHI: UK-based boxer Haroon Khan, brother of world champion Amir Khan, will have to prove his worth if he wants to take part in the tournament in Kazakhstan next year, according to the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Secretary Akram Khan.

Akram said the pugilist will need to impress in the postponed Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament (SBBIBT) to ensure his place in the event to be held in March, the last chance for Pakistan to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

Haroon will join the camp in Islamabad on December 12 and will have to clinch the bantamweight category, added Akram.

The PBF is facing a selection dilemma ahead of the Olympic qualifier as Commonwealth Games medallist Mohammad Waseem insisted on fighting in the 49-kilogramme category while the federation wanted Haroon to play the bout.

“Nothing is confirmed yet, we might just send someone else instead of Haroon or Waseem,” Akram told The Express Tribune. “There’s been confusion but a final decision will be made after the SBBIBT [starting from December 20].”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2011.