‘I am ready to help Pakistan boxers’

British boxer rues cancelled rematch but confirms visit to Pakistan for his fans.

KARACHI:

While Amir Khan is desperate to regain his WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles, he is also concerned by the demise of the sport in Pakistan, the land of his ancestors, and wants to help the local boxers prepare for the 2016 Olympics.

The Bolton-based boxer expressed his disappointment as Pakistan failed to confirm even a single berth for the 2012 London Olympics, a similar tale to the 2008 Beijing Games.

“It’s very disappointing that nobody qualified for the mega event,” Amir told The Express Tribune. “We have great talent in Pakistan but I think we need to invest in improved facilities and coaching.

“Keeping that in mind, I’m available if Pakistan boxing needs any help. I offered my gym in Bolton to the Pakistan boxers ahead of their qualifiers too. This offer will always be open to them.”

‘Waseem can be a good professional’

Meanwhile, Amir hoped that Mohammad Waseem, currently Pakistan’s most accomplished boxer, will make his name in professional boxing.

The Quetta-based pugilist turned professional recently after being offered the chance by the AIBA Professional Boxing.

“He can be a good professional but he needs the right coach behind him. Amateur boxing is completely different from professional boxing. He has my support all the way.”

Amir, who had earlier planned to visit Pakistan after his rematch with Lamont Peterson, had to change his plans after the fight was cancelled with Peterson failing a drugs test.

“I will probably visit Pakistan after Ramazan now. The main thing will be to meet my fans because they very rarely get to see me as I am so far away.”

According to reports, the boxer had also planned to give tips to local boxers during his planned trip to Pakistan.

Disappointed after rematch cancelled

Meanwhile, Amir was utterly disappointed after his rematch with Peterson was cancelled.

“I was really upset and angry because I trained very hard for this fight. I wanted to knock him out this time but at the same time I feel that justice has been done. After everything that went on with the first fight, I knew something wasn’t right.”

Amir hoped that the authorities will hand him back his lost titles as a result.

“Hopefully, the commission will class that fight as a no contest and will return the belts. Otherwise the belts will be taken back from Peterson and I will fight for them in my next fight. He should be banned now. We can’t let anyone get away with this.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2012.