While British boxer Amir Khan has confirmed his presence – and an invitation extended to Mike Tyson – the PBF, hoping to make the event a roaring success, were left saddened by Ali’s regret.
“We contacted him but he turned it down citing health issues,” PBF Secretary Akram Khan told The Express Tribune. “He was very polite with his response and recalled his last visit to the country.”
Teams expected shortly
The event will witness the presence of over 50 boxers from seven countries, according to Akram, and while a British boxer Haider Ali has already joined a group of 34 local boxers in Islamabad, teams from Ghana, Cameroon, Iran, Sri Lanka, Syria and Nepal are expected to arrive shortly.
The PBF, with assistance from the Army Sports Board, will also install an extra ring at the Liaquat Gymnasium where the event will be taking place.
“Training with foreign boxers will give our pugilists good preparation and that’s why we have scheduled a training camp. This will also be cheaper than sending our boxers abroad for training.”
Waseem-Haroon conflict to be resolved
Pakistan will be going in with three teams in the event starting from December 20 with Akram confirming that the pending weight conflict between Mohammad Waseem and Haroon Khan will also be taken care of.
“They will be taking part and the coaches will asses their performance. Only the best will represent Pakistan in the Asian Championship next year.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 2nd, 2011.
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The man is in terrible health these days. Still, he outlived the gorilla
Muhammad Ali is a great human being. I think he would never decline the invitation if he didn't have health issues. He has visited Pakistan before and has mentioned Pakistan in almost every interview when talking about Muslims around the world. Amir Khan has visited many times before. He came after the 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods as well.
@Custard Pie Chucker: Champ Muhammad Ali has real health issues.
When he said health issues, he did not mean himself as much as he did Pakistan. After all, we've been financially and morally sick for some time now.
@abdussamad: are you with us or against us?
@abdussamad: get a life, you aren't welcome in pakistan, we are happy in whatever we have. small or big.
always arroganant arab..
Would be great if Mike Tyson shows up :). Have serious doubts though.
Yeah, it is an "health issue". Even, postponing the Cricket World Cup was related this "health issue".
Tactful of him to cite health issues. He is definitely sick. He has Parkinson's disease. But even if he didn't I doubt he would come to Pakistan. Someone needs to tell Amir Khan about what happened to the Sri Lankan cricket team. Oh yes and the PBF people need to have their heads examined if they expect foreign athletes will come to Pakistan!