Boxing: Haroon may get 52-kg nod over Waseem

Federation backs Britain-based boxer ahead of local for Olympics qualifiers.

ISLAMABAD:

The conflict surrounding Pakistan’s representation at the Olympic qualifiers in the 52-kilogramme category continues as the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) persisted with its stance of backing Haroon Khan to represent the country ahead of Mohammad Waseem.

A PBF official has revealed that the federation’s president Doda Khan Bhutto wants Haroon, younger brother of former world champion Amir, to represent Pakistan at the Olympic qualifiers that take place in March, despite Waseem’s superb show at the second Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Boxing Championship, where he has qualified for today’s final of the 52kg category.

The official said that Waseem’s excellent run at the event, as well as his own preference, had led to a consensus among the coaches that he was the ideal man to represent Pakistan in the 52kg category. However, Bhutto’s support for Haroon has left the coaches highly disappointed.

“We don’t understand the reasons behind Bhutto’s support for Haroon,” the official told The Express Tribune. “He lost his first bout against the Indian boxer Madan Lal quite convincingly.”

On the other hand, Waseem has been in great form, winning all his matches to qualify for the semi-final where he outplayed Lal 19-12.

‘Waseem is a better choice for 49kg’

Meanwhile, Bhutto insisted that Haroon remains the best choice for Pakistan in the category despite his indifferent showing. However, he said that the final decision regarding the matter will be made by the selection committee.

“I’ve recommended Haroon but the selection committee headed by Mohammad Farooq Ahmed will take the final decision on the matter,” he said. “I feel that Waseem can perform better in the 49kg category. He won the Commonwealth Games bronze medal competing in this category and that’s why he shouldn’t be fighting in 52kg.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 29^th, 2011.