Munteanu shows interest in local boxers
Swedish coach likely to prepare Pakistan talent for PPBL.
PPBL Chief Operating Officer Umer Toor confirmed Tuesday that 16 boxers will be competing in the event to grab the WBC Latin-American title. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
Swedish coach Wally Munteanu has shown an interest in training Pakistan’s boxers ahead of the Pakistan Premier Boxing League (PPBL), affiliated with the World Boxing Council (WBC). The bouts are scheduled to begin on April 12 in Lahore.
PPBL Chief Operating Officer Umer Toor confirmed Tuesday that 16 boxers will be competing in the event to grab the WBC Latin-American title.
The PPBL, being the first professional boxing event for the country, will be a breakthrough for the sport in Pakistan.
Earlier, the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) had only been licensed with the International Amateur Boxing Association.
However, the WBC is the only global boxing body and with the affiliation, Pakistan boxers will have the opportunity to fight in professional fights at home.
Toor stated that 10 international boxers would compete in the event that is supported by the Punjab government, while six local pugilists will make it to the main event after an intense training camp.
“The response from local boxers has been very positive,” Toor told The Express Tribune. “Munteanu has shown his interest in coming to Pakistan and training the boxers before the event.
“The camp will begin at least 30 to 40 days before the PPBL.
“So far, we have a pool of 30 talented local boxers out of which 10 will be selected.”
The official further stated that the PPBL wants to pick Pakistan’s most promising talent and the selection would be made strictly on the basis of merit. “Our basic criterion is that the boxers should have played at least 15 amateur bouts recognised by the PBF.”
On another note, Toor said the attack on a Spanish cyclist in the northern area of the country earlier this year had almost jeapordised the event.
“We turned to Antonella Maria Obreja, who is also a Spanish WBC official, to help sort out situation,” said Toor.
“After that attack, the Spanish government raised concerns and advised their boxers to refrain from travelling to Pakistan. However, Obreja was a big help in explaining to the officials back home that Lahore is a safe venue.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 26th, 2014.
Swedish coach Wally Munteanu has shown an interest in training Pakistan’s boxers ahead of the Pakistan Premier Boxing League (PPBL), affiliated with the World Boxing Council (WBC). The bouts are scheduled to begin on April 12 in Lahore.
PPBL Chief Operating Officer Umer Toor confirmed Tuesday that 16 boxers will be competing in the event to grab the WBC Latin-American title.
The PPBL, being the first professional boxing event for the country, will be a breakthrough for the sport in Pakistan.
Earlier, the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) had only been licensed with the International Amateur Boxing Association.
However, the WBC is the only global boxing body and with the affiliation, Pakistan boxers will have the opportunity to fight in professional fights at home.
Toor stated that 10 international boxers would compete in the event that is supported by the Punjab government, while six local pugilists will make it to the main event after an intense training camp.
“The response from local boxers has been very positive,” Toor told The Express Tribune. “Munteanu has shown his interest in coming to Pakistan and training the boxers before the event.
“The camp will begin at least 30 to 40 days before the PPBL.
“So far, we have a pool of 30 talented local boxers out of which 10 will be selected.”
The official further stated that the PPBL wants to pick Pakistan’s most promising talent and the selection would be made strictly on the basis of merit. “Our basic criterion is that the boxers should have played at least 15 amateur bouts recognised by the PBF.”
On another note, Toor said the attack on a Spanish cyclist in the northern area of the country earlier this year had almost jeapordised the event.
“We turned to Antonella Maria Obreja, who is also a Spanish WBC official, to help sort out situation,” said Toor.
“After that attack, the Spanish government raised concerns and advised their boxers to refrain from travelling to Pakistan. However, Obreja was a big help in explaining to the officials back home that Lahore is a safe venue.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 26th, 2014.