World Champion Amir Khan Advices Pak Boxers

KARACHI: A piece of advice by Pakistan-origin Light-Welter Weight World Champion British boxer, Amir Khan has arrived for the Pakistani boxers just at the right time as they prepare to fight in the South Asian Federation Games 2010.
Amir Khan called up the young pugilists Saturday and gave them some useful tips during their training camp at Karachi.

Pakistan Boxing team training camp is going on at Pakistan Sports Board Karachi Center for preparation of SAF Games and other upcoming international events.
PBF spokesmen told Xinhua that after the training, Vice President of Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) and Camp commandment Iqbal Hussain had a chat with Amir Khan during which the World Champion boxer asked about the team’s preparation.

On request of Iqbal Hussain, Amir Khan guided Pakistani boxers including Captain Mohammad Waseem, Nadir Baloch, Abid Ali, Niamat Ullah and Amir Khan. Sixth member of the team Adnan Hussain was not present.

Amir Khan gave the boxers tips regarding bout tactics and advised them as per to score points without losing much of the energy.

“I saw much talent in Pakistan for boxing during Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament (SBBIBT). They are hard workers and can win many medals in South Asian Games”, said Amir Khan, the PBF spokesman told Xinhua.
It should be noted that Amir Khan was the chief guest in closing ceremony of the SBBIBT earlier this month in Karachi on especial invitation of PBF.

23 countries from Europe, Asia and Africa participated in the competition, while China took the winners trophy of that mega event with 4 gold medals to their name.

Pakistan Boxing: Another Shock for PBF ahead of SAF games

Pakistan Boxing: Another Shock for PBF ahead of SAF games

Another Shock for PBF ahead of SAF games

KARACHI: Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) was handed serious blow Thursday ahead of the South Asian Federation Games as Ministry of Sports has dropped Assistant Coach, Abdul Majeed Brohi from the contingent.

Pakistan is contesting in the South Asian Games with six boxers and only one coach. As per the international boxing rules, there should be at least one coach for three boxers.

General Secretary, PBF, Muhammad Akram Khan told Xinhua that with just six days left in the team’s departure, this step will hamper our preparations for the Games. “We can’t understand how one coach could handle six boxers. If we receive back to back bouts, it would be very difficult for our boxers to practice and prepare”, he said.
Organisers of South Asian Games have already dented Pakistan’s boxing team by dropping three of its big boxers some days back.

Muhammad Akram Khan expressed his dismay over the step and said that the Sports Ministry has taken this step only 6 days before the team leaving for Dhaka and this unaccepted decision could cost Pakistan’s gold medal hopes.

PBF mulling to hold another boxing tournament in July this year

Jawad Hussain

Karachi: In a country, where all the international teams, irrespective of what sport they play, refused to tour in the backdrop of terrorists' activities leaving sporting activities in the country to a standstill, Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) pulled up their socks to organise a competition that lured attention of most of the major boxing teams from across the world.

All the credit goes only to PBF for successfully organising first-ever Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament (SBBIT), where teams from 24 countries tested their boxing talent. Although, Pakistani boxers failed to come up to the international standards and only one pugilist could grab a Gold Medal, but good thing was that at last Pakistani boxers got some sort of competition of international level.

After a fearful Year 2009, during which a group of terrorists attacked Sri Lankan cricket team while going to Gaddafi Stadium for playing a test match against Pakistan on March 3, 2009. Following the act of terror, Sri Lankan team departed without completing the whole tour, while the worst fallout of the attack was that all the countries stopped their teams from touring Pakistan, which put a huge question mark on future of sports activities in a country, which was in dire need of a sporting way out for the frustrated youth. The year then saw some of the most bloody acts of terror, resulting in a full-fledged army operation in the northern areas of the country.

But SBBIBT came to the scene as a puff of fresh air as the Year 2010 started with a renewed resolve to fight terror through sports as Pakistan Boxing Federation invited world to join hands with Pakistan to reignite international sports activities in Pakistan. One must thank the governments and their boards for sending their teams to Pakistan at a time when terrorists had hit the country's financial hub with quite some force on Ashura day, just a week earlier before the start of the SBBIBT.
PBF has received tremendous praise from all of the major sports organizations of the country, besides glowing words by the foreign media and sports bodies.

A couple of days ago, Federal Sports Ministry, Pakistan Sports Board, Pakistan Olympic Association and other sports organisations gave PBF pat on the back for successfully holding the historical boxing event.

Federal Sports Minister Mir Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani during his telephonic conversation with President PBF, Doda Khan Bhutto said the tournament helped in building a soft image of Pakistan in the world as a safe country for top sports events.
"It is a historic event which will be ever remembered in history of sports and PBF deserve praise for this successful show", said the minister.
Federal Minister for Inter Provisional Coordination, Pir Syed Aftab Shah Jilani -who was previously taking care of Sports Ministry, said the participation of 23 countries in Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament was a huge achievement for the country in terms of restoring image suitable for staging international sports events.

President of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Arif Hassan; Secretary, Abdul Khaliq Khan; Vice President POA, Justice (Retd) Khawaja Farooq Saeed; Director General of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Syed Ameer Hamza Gilani; and Secretary Sindh Olympic Association, Ahmed Ali Rajput said the successful holding of the event has revved up chances that similar international events will also be held in other disciplines in Pakistan.

President of Balochistan Boxing and VP of PBF Faqir Hussain, Secretary Haji Khuday Raheem, Joint Secretary Liaquat Ali Durrani, Olympian Boxer Asghar Changaizi, also forwarded their congratulations to Vice President PBF, Iqbal Hussain and Secretary Mohammad Akram Khan for staging the event in a trend setting manner.

Let's get back to the performances of the teams which took part in the first sporting event of New Year in Pakistan. China swept the medals tally with 4 gold medals, a silver medal and 2 bronze medals. Syria stood second with 2 gold and silver medals each, while Thailand followed with 2 gold medals. Pakistani pugilists had a great presence in the semi-final stage with 12 boxers fought bouts for the Gold Medal, but only one boxer could maintain his composure as Pakistan stood fourth with only 1 gold medal, a silver and 6 bronze medals.

Mohib Bacha was the gold medallist of the tournament for the hosts. The result shows that Pakistani boxers have to do a lot to make their impact felt in the international arena but regular of holding of such events would definitely uplift the game of boxing.

Keeping in view the facilities and exposure that Pakistani boxers get, this performance is quite satisfactory, but there is a need to mould this raw talent into the real tough cookies at international arena.

During the tournament, PBF also invited the only Pakistani Olympic Medalist in boxing, Hussain Shah from Japan, who appreciated PBF efforts for holding this event. Hussain won bronze medal in 1988 Seoul Olympics. Syed Hussain Shah has also to his credit five gold medals in the South Asian Games history, remained the best boxer of Asia from 1980 to 1988, a rare prominence achieved by any Pakistani pugilist so far.
Later, legendary boxing maestro Amir Khan, the UK-based light welter weight world champion, increased the glamour of the tournament by arriving here with his family to attend the closing ceremony of the tournament.

Amir Khan told media, "There is a huge talent in Pakistan and I foresee boxing becoming a big sports here too under people like Doda Khan and Akram Khan". He also offered Pakistani boxers to get training in his academy based in the UK.
Moreover, nine African boxers revert to Islam during the tournament after getting inspired by the Muslims here.

PBF President Doda Khan Bhutto informed media, "We organised this tournament only through our determinations and we had all the odds against us. However, we succeeded in holding the international tournament and hopefully in future it would be comparatively easier to hold such a tournament".

"We are working for another international tournament in July after the success of this tournament. We have to start from scratch to hold an international event after the unfortunate and unpopular incident of deadly attack on Sri Lankan cricket team here in Pakistan last year.
"Nobody was ready to come here and everybody here also doubted the holding of such an event. Many high-ups in government offices even ridiculed us. But by the grace of Allah we were successful in holding the tournament," PBF secretary Akram Khan said.
"It was a big event but unfortunately the people in the government failed to create hype of the tournament. They should have visited the tournament much often so that it could have gained more publicity," he added.
He further said that the sponsors were reluctant to indulge with us because of lack of support from the government. "They also doubted that such an event could be held and therefore didn't come forward to sponsor us," Akram said.

He further said that the same thing would not happen next time hopefully and they would be able to bring sponsors in for the tournament in July.

He said that international tournaments at home are very important for uplifting boxing in the country. "When the youth here see boxers playing and achieving glorious victories, they create a charm for the game in them. Moreover, more boxers could be featured in the events at home as we did during SBBIBT. They get exposure against international pugilists. If we had featured these 22 boxers in an international tournament somewhere else then they couldn't have achieved anything.
He said that tournaments like SBBIBT should regularly be held at least twice a year for uplifting the level of local boxers and boxing as a whole in the country. ''The boxers' achievement in the tournament was good but not excellent. We had at least won three gold medals. We still have to go a long way.''

Ambreen Sadiq female ABA champion boxer aim 2016 Olympics

London: Few girls, let alone Muslim girls, can expect to be encouraged to pick up a pair of boxing gloves and go out fighting.

But Ambreen Sadiq, a 15-year-old schoolgirl from Bradford, has overcome opposition in her community to win her latest fight and aim for the 2016 Olympics.

Hailed tonight as a “pioneer” by the Amateur Boxing Association, Ambreen has already won the national female championship for her age and weight.

She has overcome opposition from her community to be nominated as junior sports personality of the year at the British Asian Sports Awards.


In the ring, she transforms from shy Muslim in traditional dress to a rapid-fire fighting machine in shorts, vest and ponytail.

Few Muslim women go into boxing, although one exception is Laila Ali, Mohammed Ali’s daughter, a professional boxer who now hosts American Gladiators.

A Channel 4 documentary tomorrow night shows Ambreen, trained by coach Naz Jalil of Eastburn boxing club, defeat Leigh Park’s Bobbie Clark.
According to one report of the match, Ambreen, who is known as “Beeno”, “dominated her southpaw opponent from the off, catching her with numerous combination shots to go 9-2 up after the first round.”

The Bradford Telegraph and Argus reported: “She continued to pressure Clark, who had no option but to come forward to win some points of her own but each time was met with a barrage of punches, leaving the score 14-3 after round two.

“The third round was Sadiq’s best. Her skills saw her slip Clarke’s punches, making her miss wildly.

“On one occasion, she slipped under a big right, turned Clark and delivered three big shots which forced the referee to give an eight count as the Eastburn girl triumphed 20-5.”

Ambreen has already attended one training session with the England squad.

Her father, Shokit Ali Sadiq, who has encouraged her since childhood, said he had predicted since she was a baby that she would become a boxer. “Nobody would believe me.”

Ambreen said: “I know you should not show your arms and legs off but I am not doing it so I can show my arms and legs off to the whole world. I am doing it so I can enjoy boxing. It is what I want.”

The Muslim Council of Britain said: “We would not take a position against this.” He said some Muslim scholars did, however, regard boxing in general as “inhumane”.

Ayesha Abdeen, vice-chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation, said: “We believe that women should have an opportunity to take part in sport and keep fit and healthy. A Muslim woman boxer I would say is quite rare.”

Martin Utley, regional coach for the Amateur Boxing Association, said she was one of the top female boxers in Britain: “There are other Muslim girl boxers but not at this competitive level. She is pioneering as far as Muslim girls are concerned in boxing.”
Ambreen Sadiq, Muslim girl boxer, aims to combat prejudice to succeed in the ring

Romanian boxing president suspended for 13 years

BUCHAREST, Romania — The International Boxing Association has suspended Rudel Obreja for 13 years after determining the Romanian Boxing Federation president had breached an original two-year ban imposed for breaking safety rules.

The AIBA disciplinary committee said on Friday that Obreja failed to respect the terms of his two-year suspension, which had been upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and banned him for 11 more years.

Obreja organized an event last February in which some fighters did not use headgear.

Viloria requires additional tests

FORMER International Boxing Federation light flyweight champion Brian Viloria, who collapsed in his dressing room and was hospitalized for apparent exhaustion after he was knocked out in his title defense against Colombia’s Carlos Tamara last Saturday, will have to remain at the Makati Medical Center for at least two more days for additional testing.

Although all the tests conducted on Viloria were clear, including a CT scan, Viloria won’t be cleared by doctors to return home to the United States for at least 10 days, and he will need additional tests to ensure there is no brain swelling, according to his manager, Gary Gittelsohn.

Viloria, whose fight with Tamara was stopped by referee Bruce McTavish at the 1:45 mark of the 12th round at the Astrodome, collapsed in his dressing room and was taken to the San Juan De Dios Hospital on Roxas Blvd. He was later transferred to the MCC.

A report carried by Philboxing.com said Viloria’s attending physician, Regina Makalintal, said all tests conducted on the Fil-Am boxer were clear and there was basically nothing to worry about.

Viloria was talking and wide awake, according to the report.

Gittelsohn said Viloria would undergo follow-up tests as a precautionary measure and will remain in the hospital for another day.

Viloria seemed to be on the way to victory until he withered in the 9th round and fell prey to Tamara’s constant attack.

Duped again?

By Rabia Ali, Rafay Mahmood and Samia Saleem

Karachi: Tears rolled down the cheeks of former international boxer Murad Bux when news was received that the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament was going to take place...in Lyari. "I missed the lively ambiance surrounding the ring, the cheering crowd, and the thrill of seeing the boxers punch one another," Bux told Kolachi.

Now in his 60s but continuing to serve as a boxing coach in Lyari, Bux had represented Pakistan at international boxing tournaments during his heyday, with some of his most memorable ones being those hosted in the city. Over the passage of time, international tournaments became rarities, and it was no surprise that there was genuine excitement amongst members of the pugilist community in Lyari.

Like many residents of Lyari, however, Bux never got the chance to step foot inside the venue, KPT Benazir Sports Complex. "There were vacant seats in the complex but the guards wouldn't let us in. Neither were common people let in nor were members of local boxing clubs allowed to enter," Bux told Kolachi. "The tournament was meant to change the image of Lyari, but the eventual picture was a deceptive one as residents of the area weren't even allowed in to witness the competition. Only the favourites of the organisers were allowed to enter the venue," Bux said.

Nawab Baloch, another boxing coach in his 60s, concurred with Bux's account. "What is the point of such boxing championships, when neither my students nor I are allowed to enter the premises, despite there being a number of unoccupied seats," Baloch said. With over 35 years of experience in training street boxers who made it to national level, Nawab Baloch believed that events such as the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament bring prosperity only to the 'favourites,' while street boxing continues to be neglected.

Shah Naeem Zafar, the director of the KPT Benazir Sports Complex, said that the blame for the fiasco rested squarely on the organisers of the tournament. "Cards for the event were only given to selected people. Meanwhile, fans of boxing were deprived of a chance to watch the tournament, despite the fact that it was being held for their uplift."

Karachi South Boxing Association (KSBA) Secretary General Asghar Muhammad Baloch refuted the notion that such discrimination took place on purpose. "It is true that some people weren't able to see the event, but it was because of the fact that the invitation cards had been handed out days before the event. Those who had taken them at the time did not turn up, thus depriving those who really wanted to be a part of it." Despite the controversy, some pugilists of the area believe that hosting an international event in Lyari is in itself a success. "In a situation where many national teams are afraid to come and play in the county due to security reasons, as has happened in cricket, we hosted an international event with the participation of about 22 countries," boasted Ali Bux Baloch, former boxing champion and coach of the Pakistan boxing team."People in Karachi have long considered Lyari as a place where gang wars and conflicts are the norm; however, this is not the case. People here are keen to indulge in productive activities, if given a chance" said Asghar Baloch. "We broke the taboos associated with us" he added.

'Real boxers are born on the streets'

By Rabia Ali, Rafay Mahmood and Samia Saleem

His expressions stern, his determination sheer, his fists tough, and his looks deadly, four-year-old Muzammil turns up at the boxing club in his neighbourhood in Lyari every evening to exercise and learn the techniques of the game.

Muzammil aspires to emulate his eldest brother, Dur Muhammad, and become an international boxer; whether or not his dreams are realised, depends on institutional factors beyond the control of ordinary citizens. "Competitions such as these are for winning the hearts of the people, and letting them feel important about what they do, said Nawab Baloch, a boxing coach in his 60s who has been training young pugilists for over 35 years. "This can only be made possible if the government starts conducting talent hunt on the streets of Lyari, because real boxers are born on the streets, and not in the sitting rooms of any organisation," Baloch asserted.

The veteran coach's views are rooted in history: Lyari has produced a number of boxers who brought acclaim and respect for Pakistan. Mehrullah, the Busan Asian Games gold medallist, Dur Muhammad and Shoaib Rasheed, the SAF Games champions, Ali Muhammad, the best boxer at the 2005 Asian junior championship, and the Asian cadet championship's best boxer, Mohammad Nisar, are just a few noteworthy pugilists produced in Lyari.

Despite this illustrious history, residents of Lyari are given barely any support or formal training and facilities by the government, another coach Murad Bux told Kolachi. "In order to reach the top tier in boxing, one needs to practice with full attention and keep their body physically fit and free of other stresses," Bux said. "Boxing is a very strenuous sport, and our children grow up seeing boxers and naturally develop a love and ability for the sport," he said, but added that taking care of the boxer's body is critical. "This requirement cannot be fulfilled if one is working and has other responsibilities. The pugilists have to fight their way up, and it is not possible to box properly if one has to earn a living for his family. This is the reason why many a great talent in Lyari dies at a very young age, under the load of responsibilities and social needs," Bux told Kolachi.

Bux's students have landed in Pakistan Rangers Boxing Club and have even participated in a number of events. Yet Bux, who has been training enthusiasts to become boxers since the past 20 years, has never been supported by the government to encourage the growth of the game in Lyari.

Karachi South Boxing Association (KSBA), Secretary General, Asghar Muhammad Baloch meanwhile asserted that in Lyari, boxing is not seen as merely a sport, but complete lifestyles are built around healthy routines to ensure that one is completely prepared. "Our youth doesn't indulge in petty habits, such as eating Paan, beetle nut, smoking, drugs or even caffeinated drinks, such as tea or coffee, which are said to affect the stamina of a player," said Asghar Baloch.

While the KSBA official claimed that about 10 to 20 people participated from Lyari in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament held recently, Nawab Baloch argued that coaching is not about spending money on boxers, it is about teaching them the required skills. However, he maintained, this could only be achieved if the government intends to back the completion of such a task.

Having coached Ali Baloch and a number of other boxers who made it in the big time, Nawab Baloch believed that boxers in Lyari have a lot of potential, but the official process of selecting boxers ruins everything. "Boxing is in our blood, and tough sports are what the people of Lyari want to specialise in, because it takes a lot of courage and strength to fight. Unfortunately, the real spirit of the game is not coming out in the ring these days," Nawab Baloch said.

The veteran coach was of the opinion that in the international tournament, there was not a single 'knock-out,' which in itself, is disrespecting the game. "If the authorities will keep real boxers away from the game through their policy of favouritism, then neither the game nor the talent will be able to prosper," he said. "The problem lies in the judgment system," Nawab Baloch continued, "the judges are biased, and even if any deserving boxer successfully makes it to the selection ring, the judges already have their decisions made."

Nawab Baloch said that paying hefty amounts of money to foreign coaches to train Pakistani boxers is a "waste of money and talent" due to two reasons: firstly, the communication gap between coach and trainer; and secondly, the fact that a coach who has groomed a boxer from childhood is well aware about his physique than anyone who has become acquainted to him for lesser periods of time. "The government needs to finance the clubs and coaches in Lyari, instead of bringing in foreign coaches, as the money paid to one foreign coach can be given to four local coaches, and the result would be far better," Nawab Baloch added. "Even if they bring in foreign boxers and coaches, but if the upcoming boxers from Lyari do not have access to them, then how do you propose improving the state of boxers from Lyari?" Nawab questioned.

Viloria collapses inside locker room after bout with Tamara

MANILA–Light flyweight champion Brian Viloria collapsed inside his locker room minutes after Colombian pugilist Carlos Tamara seized the 108-pound category of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight belt from the Filipino boxer Saturday.

Tamara won over Viloria via a 12-round technical knockout, leaving the former IBF champion in seemingly serious condition after the match.

The bout, viewed only by a few, was held at the nearly empty Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Viloria, a Filipino who spent his growing up years in Hawaii, and known as the “Hawaiian Punch”, was leading during the first few rounds until he started losing wind on the 7th round.

Tamara reportedly took that chance and fought his way through the remaining rounds. By rounds 9 to 10, Viloria was reportedly receiving grueling punishment from Tamara.

Bruce McTavish, the referee, halted the fight close to two minutes into the 12th and final round. Tamara won by technical knockout.

Information reaching Dateline Philippines said Viloria regained consciousness after his sudden collapse in the locker room and was immediately rushed to the San Juan de Dios hospital. He is now under observation.

The fight with Tamara was Viloria’s third defense of his IBF title; the second was against Mexican Ulisses Solis in 2009 where the Filipino pugilist won by knockout on the 11th round.

Viloria’s career as a boxer boasts of 16-3 win-lose ratio with 15 KOs to his credit.

Middleweight Boxer Pablo Fails Drug Test

The Spanish boxer Pablo Navascues has lost his chance of fighting Sebastian Sylvester for the International Boxing Federation’s middleweight title after failing a doping test during training. Sauerland Event said on its Web site that Navascues tested positive for banned substances during a random test this month. Sauerland did not disclose what Navascues tested positive for.

PBF needs instant fiscal assistance

KARACHI: Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) is facing acute financial crises after holding Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Championship and the federation needs financial assistance from the government. This was stated by President PBF Doda Khan Bhutto.

Vice president of PBF Iqbal Hussain; General Secretary Muhammad Akram Khan; Chairman R/J Commission Ali Akber Shah Qadri and other officials were also presence on this occasion.

We have been given only Rs3.3 million to arrange the tournament while our expenditure was almost Rs7 million, he said, adding we are now looking forward whether the government would fulfill its promises it has made for the provision of the remaining amount or not.

President PBF also appreciated the role of media, saying “the tournament was given proper coverage by the media for which we are greatly thankful to all media outlets”.

He also paid thanks to Federal Minister for Sports Mir Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, Minister for Inter-provisional Coordination Pir Syed Aftab Shah Jilani and Secretary Sports Anis-ul-Hasnain for their cooperation in this regard.

However, he lamented that the City District Government and provisional government did not support the federation to successfully arrange the event. PBF president said our team will participate in South Asian Federation Games (SAF Games).

Speaking on the occasion, General Secretary PBF said SAF Games organisers have changed boxing categories — a decision that blocked ways for three of our heavy boxers namely Nisar Khan (75kg), Yasir Javed (91kg) and Mir Waiz Khan (91 plus) category to participate in the event.

Can Amir Khan become a huge PPV star like Mayweather and Pacquiao?

Trainer Freddie Roach and Golden Boy Promotion are hoping to make a huge star out of WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan (22-1, 16 KO’s) in the future along the lines of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Is it possible for Khan to accomplish this task in the near or distant future? Pacquiao toiled away for 14 years in the pro ranks before he recently became a huge mega star in the past year after beating Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto in three consecutive fights.

And Mayweather Jr. fought for 11 years as a pro before he finally became a huge mega star with a win over De La Hoya in 2007. Khan has fought for only five years in the pro ranks and was drilled into the canvas by Breidis Prescott in one round in 2008. Khan has picked up the World Boxing Association light welterweight title with a 12 round decision win over Andriy Kotelnik in July 2009, but looked fragile in the process, moving continuously against a non puncher.

For Khan to become a mega star, he will have to beat some of the best fighters in boxing. That’s how it’s done. This is obviously why Roach is so eager to match Khan against Ricky Hatton, who some boxing fans feel is a totally shot fighter. It would give Khan a boost up in the minds of fans and make a name for him, even if it’s against a fighter that some people see as shot. However, Khan will need more than fights against Hatton, which may not ever happen, and Paulie Malignaggi. Khan needs to take on and beat the best fighters in the division like Timothy Bradley, Devon Alexander, Kendall Holt and Marcos Maidana.

A lot of fans see Khan as a fighter that has faced hand-picked opponents during his five year pro career, carefully matched to avoid dangerous punchers. It’s hard to argue against that belief in looking at who Khan as faced in the past two years since being destroyed by Prescott in 2008. Since that time, Khan has fought Oisin Fagan, Marco Antonio Barrera, Kotelnik and Dmitriy Salita.

The fight against Barrera would have been good if Barrera wasn’t an old 35, and still relevant. Barrera had looked poor in moving up in weight form super featherweight to lightweight and looked small and slow at lightweight. However, a win is a win, but the fight was hardly an impressive one because Barrera was cut early in the 2nd round because of a head butt.

With blood streaming into his eyes, Barrera was barely able to see. Somehow the fight was allowed to continue just long enough for it to go to the cards in the 5th round and Khan subsequently won by a 5th round technical decision. The decision to move up in weight to fight Kotelnik, who some saw as a paper champion, didn’t help Khan’s case.

If Khans wants to be a PPV star in the United States, he’s going to have to take the tougher fights and not be positioned against fading stars or weak punchers. There are rumors that Khan might not fight interim WBA light welterweight champion Marcos Maidana next and will instead fight Paulie Malignaggi. I think this would be a mistake.

I don’t see a fight against Malignaggi doing anything for Khan. I do think it will cause knowledgeable boxing fans to see Khan as a cherry picker because they think he’s trying to avoid big punchers since his knockout loss to Prescott. By choosing to fight Malignaggi rather than Maidana, this could strengthen the belief that some boxing fans have about Khan being a ducker.

I don’t see Khan becoming a mega star the easy way by taking on fading fighters or ones with zero power to hurt him. Khan is going to have to beat the best fighters in the division and do this for a number of years before he becomes a huge pay per view star in the United States. I have my doubts that Khan can accomplish this with his weak chin. His offense is fine, but he seems top fragile to hold up under the wear and tear of facing the likes of Maidana, Victor Ortiz, Bradley, Holt and Alexander.

Pakistan Boxing needs SOS financial assistance

Karachi: Pakistan Boxing Federation has face to acute financial crises after holding Shaheed Bhutto inter national boxing tournament and Federation need SOS emergency basis financial assistance from Pakistan government expressed president of Pakistan Boxing Federation in a press conference which was be held on Friday at Hotel Mehran Karachi

Vice president of PBF Mr. Iqbal Hussain, General Secretary Muhammad Akram Khan, Chairman R/J commission Ali Akber Shah Qadri and other officials were also presence on this occasion.

We were waiting for completing whole promises given us from the government of Pakistan and the Sindh provincial government Prime minister of Pakistan was given us only 3.3 million rupees and our tournament budget around 7 million rupees and while the rest of the money from any found

Media give us too much support during Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament and country get international reception from it, we greatly thankful to all media friends for encouraging cooperation


PBF want also pay thanks to federal sports minister Mir Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, federal minister inter-provisional coordination Pir Syed Aftab Shah Jilani, and federal secretary
Sports Anis-ul-Hasnain, president POA lt. Gen. ® Arif Hassan, Police, Rangers, Traffic Police, federal interior Ministry and federal foregone ministry and we were getting a big success for own country.

But City District and provisional government don’t support us event any provisional, federal minister and local government City Nazim, Town Nazims and councilors was not visited there this is was very disappointed us we work for country and we don’t have personal agenda but rolling party of Benazir hurt us and they failed in national duty.

PBF president say our team will participate in South Asian Games and we have invitation for commonwealth boxing championship in March, King’s Cup International Boxing in Thailand and Asian games at China in November this year but we don’t decided till now for sending its team because financial problem’s if government its not resolve so our boxers will suffer in international arena.

General Secretary of Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) say South Asian Games organizers suddenly has been changed boxing category and they has mad new six categories in 48kg, 51kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg and 64 kg our three heavy boxers affected from this decision so Pakistan has been lost Nisar Khan (75kg), Yasir Javed (91kg) and Mir Waiz Khan in 91 plus category he was the gold medalist in last edition of south Asian games in Colombo 2006

He says we lodge strong protest in front of Organizers and Pakistan Olympic Association also now our preparation and medal hope may will affected now we has sent six fresh entries Nadir Baloch (48kg), Mohammad Waseem (51kg), Niamat Ullah (54kg), Abid Ali (57kg), Adnan Hussain (64kg) and Amir Khan (64kg)

Nadir Baloch and Adnan Hussain inter two new name in previous announced team and both showing good performance and won the silver medals in recently concluded Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament

Shuffling of boxing events hurts Pakistan’s medal chances

KARACHI: Pakistan boxing received a huge blow ahead of the South Asian Games, when the organising committee dropped one middle and two heavy weights, restricting the competitions to six weights instead of the earlier seven.

As per fresh adjustment, light flyweight and lightweight have been inducted while middle weight, heavy weight and super heavyweight have been dropped.

After the development, the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) sent the names of two fresh boxers Nadir Baloch (light flyweight) and Adnan Hussain (lightweight) while Nisar Khan (75kg), Yasir Javed (91kg) and Mir Waiz (91kg plus) have been dropped from the list. Both Nadir Baloch and Adnan Hussain had got silver medals in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament held here recently.

Now, six boxers including Nadir Baloch (48kg), Muhammad Waseem (51kg), Niamatullah (54kg), Abid Ali (57kg), Adnan Hussain (60kg) and Aamir Khan (64kg) will represent Pakistan in the SAG which will be held in Dhaka from January 29 to February 9.

PPP-led Sindh Govt ignores its leader's name event

KARACHI When the Pakistan Boxing Federation initiated the move to hold the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament it was confident that the PPP-led Sindh Government would not only make financial commitment towards the expenses but would also own the event because it was being held in the name twice prime minister and the leader of the PPP.
But to their disappointment and chagrin the Sindh Government showed no enthusiasm to support the event and remained aloof from all the activities related to the tournament in which as many as 24 foreign countries either sent the teams or the technical officials.
Young president of Pakistan Boxing Federation Doda Khan Bhutto related to the former prime minister had decided to initiate hosting of the tournament in order to create soft image of Pakistan and Pakistan sports which had suffered due to attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore last March. It was a move appreciated by all the sports officials of Pakistan who were praying that the event might be held successful without any incident.
It was important because it would help in improving the image of the country worldwide.
The PBF head did every thing possible to draw the attention of the provincial government but he or the federation did not get the warm response they were expecting.
The PBF approached the chief minister for an appointment three months ago but they did not get it until December 27 during the second death anniversary of the Benazir Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Bux when the chief minister found some time to meet a delegation of the PBF led by Doda Khan Bhutto.
The chief minister was pleasantly surprised when told that an international boxing tournament was being held in the name of the great national leader at Karachi. The provincial chief executive during the brief meeting asked the PBF officials that why was he not be informed about the event earlier. He probably did not know that the PBF was trying to contact him for the last three months.
The chief minister welcomed the initiative of the PBF for hosting the event in Karachi and promised that the provincial government would provide financial and other support for the event.
A fortnight has passed since that meeting in Garhi Khuda Bux but the promised financial support has still not reached the PBF which has to pay hotel and travel bills to the foreign teams that has started leaving after the successful conclusion of the tournament on Saturday night.
According to first estimates, the PBF needed close to Rs 60 million to organise the tournament which was allotted to the PBF on request. The federation approached the presidential secretariat and the prime ministers secretariat and the Sindh government for financial and other support.
Only the prime minister secretariat responded and released around Rs 23 million just when the foreign teams had started arriving in the city.
An organiser of the tournament on condition of anonymity said he and his other colleagues were surprised with the cold manner with which that the provincial government and particularly the PPP provincial minister had responded to the tournament.
The PBF had extended invitation to the ministers to come to the KPT sports complex on each of the eight days of the tournament but surprisingly no minister except the provincial sports minister Dr MA Shah showed up at the well guarded venue.
The Sindh sports ministry led by the coalition partner of the PPP in province coordinated with the PBF and provided support but there was no support from any other provincial ministry or the ministers added the organiser with a tinge of sadness.
He said after successfully holding the tournament, the PBF would be face to face with the hardest part of the event which was to settle the bills as the host. Hotel and travel bills had to be paid at the earliest and any delay would only bring poor name to the PBF and the provincial government which is led by PPP, he added.
He, however, expressed gratitude to the Federal sports minister Ejaz Hussain Jhakrani, Inter Provincial minister Pir Aftab Shah Jillani, POA president Gen Arif Hasan and Sindh sports minister Dr MA Shah for taking interest in the organisation of the event and visiting the opening and the closing ceremony of the tournament.
He was also thankful to the Sindh police and Sindh Rangers for providing good security to the teams, at tournament venue and the hotel during the course of the tournament.
He also thanked the FIA Immigration department for helping both the incoming and departing foreign teams. The Immigration authorities ignored minor mistakes in travel documents and facilitated both the arrival and departure of the teams. The team of Central African Republic was given special concessions when one of their boxers arrived here without adequate travel documents. Similarly, during departure both the Indian and Uzbekistan teams were accommodated at the airport to allow them to catch the flights in time.
Teams have started departing for home and four teams left here Saturday morning and more will leave by evening flights.

AIBA praised to PBF holding first big event in boxing world this year

Karachi: International Boxing Association (AIBA) had too much praise to Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) for holding Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament successfully it was a first big international event in boxing world this year.
President of Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Doda Khan Bhutto, Vice president Mr. Iqbal Hussain, General Secretary Muhammad Akram Khan and other PBF officials grateful to AIBA president Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu for these kind comments, they were expressed we hold this historical event with the help of AIBA and ASBC kind support and we have good hope such type cooperation from two parents bodies for the Boxing game improvement and betterment.
AIBA comments
“It was a great moment for international relations when Indian boxers took part in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Tournament in Karachi, Pakistan earlier this month, showing once again that boxing is not just for entertainment: it also brings people and countries together”

In a delightful contradiction, the Pakistani tournament showed that boxing as a combat sport can make a positive difference. For the first time since the Mumbai terrorist attacks in India in November 2008, an Indian sports team took part in an international event in Pakistan. "We have been cleared by the government to take part in the event," head coach Singh said, "and all the members of the squad are very happy to be here."

Other countries have had similar successes with boxing: For example, the relationship between Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina is good during boxing events despite the legacy of conflict. These countries have organized many tournaments and, in the ring, many of the former enemies have become friends and sporting opponents.

AIBA President Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu said after inspiring Pakistan Indian gathering we going to the AIBA Youth World Championships coming up in Baku, Azerbaijan in April, the Armenian Boxing Federation sent an official letter addressed to AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu to ensure the safety of the Armenian athletes during the championships due to unresolved territorial issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan over an enclave called Nagorno-Karabakh in Southwestern Azerbaijan.

"If they want to take part in the event, then I do not see any problems," said Mr Agajan Abiyev, vice-president of the Azerbaijan Boxing Federation. "This tournament will be the qualifying event for the Youth Olympic Games, so the desire of the Armenian side is clear to us."

Only boxing could accomplish such a treaty for sports between Armenia and Azerbaijan: Even when the International Football Association (FIFA) drew these two countries in the same qualification group, they could not organize the matches and both of them were cancelled. Despite the political situations of today, we hope that boxing and other sports will continue to bring athletes and fans together.

Host nation Pakistan competed with two teams in the event, which saw a total of 20 teams competing from China, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Syria, India, Hungary, Kenya, Iraq and Cameroon. Rising British-Pakistani star Amir Khan and 1988 Seoul Olympic Games bronze medalist Syed Hussain Shah were awarded honorary gold medals on behalf of the Pakistan Boxing Federation.

AIBA president expressed the tournament was the first-ever boxing event in Pakistan to offer prize money to boxers and teams and it’s highly appreciated for newly elected PBF body

Outside the ring, nine boxers, including Beijing Olympian welterweight boxer Joseph Mulema of Cameroon and eight other Cameroon and African boxers, embraced Islam, converting to the religion while in Karachi for the tournament.

Note: You can read AIBA comments also on its website and click below two links

http://www.aiba.org/en-US/news/ozqsp/newsId/2853/news.aspx
http://www.aiba.org/en-US/news/ozqsp/newsId/2841/news.aspx

Boxing: bringing people together

It was a great moment for international relations when Indian boxers took part in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Tournament in Karachi, Pakistan earlier this month, showing once again that boxing is not just for entertainment: it also brings people and countries together.

In a delightful contradiction, the Pakistani tournament showed that boxing as a combat sport can make a positive difference. For the first time since the Mumbai terrorist attacks in India in November 2008, an Indian sports team took part in an international event in Pakistan. "We have been cleared by the government to take part in the event," head coach Singh said, "and all the members of the squad are very happy to be here."

Other countries have had similar successes with boxing: For example, the relationship between Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina is good during boxing events despite the legacy of conflict. These countries have organized many tournaments and, in the ring, many of the former enemies have become friends and sporting opponents.

With the AIBA Youth World Championships coming up in Baku, Azerbaijan in April, the Armenian Boxing Federation sent an official letter addressed to AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu to ensure the safety of the Armenian athletes during the championships due to unresolved territorial issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan over an enclave called Nagorno-Karabakh in Southwestern Azerbaijan.

"If they want to take part in the event, then I do not see any problems," said Mr Agajan Abiyev, vice-president of the Azerbaijan Boxing Federation. "This tournament will be the qualifying event for the Youth Olympic Games, so the desire of the Armenian side is clear to us."

Only boxing could accomplish such a treaty for sports between Armenia and Azerbaijan: Even when the International Football Association (FIFA) drew these two countries in the same qualification group, they could not organize the matches and both of them were cancelled. Despite the political situations of today, we hope that boxing and other sports will continue to bring athletes and fans together.

Pakistan Welcomes 20 Nations to the Ring

he Chinese amateur boxing team won first place in the team event of the tournament, the first Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Tournament, held in Karachi, Pakistan at the KPT Benazir Sports Complex from the 1st to the 9th of January, winning four gold medals. It was the first major amateur boxing event of 2010 and the first international sports event in Pakistan since the Mumbai terrorist attack in November 2008.

Since the terrorist attacks on the Sri Lanka cricket team in March last year, foreign sportsmen had refused to travel to Pakistan but this tournament even saw three Indian boxers in attendance, marking the first time any athletes from the country had travelled to the neighboring nation for a sports event since relations between the two South Asian countries were damaged by the Mumbai attack.

Host nation Pakistan competed with two teams in the event, which saw a total of 20 teams competing from China, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Syria, India, Hungary, Kenya, Iraq and Cameroon. Rising British-Pakistani star Amir Khan and 1988 Seoul Olympic Games bronze medalist Syed Hussain Shah were awarded honorary gold medals on behalf of the Pakistan Boxing Federation.

Syria clinched two gold and two silver medals in Karachi. Thailand collected two golds and host nation Pakistan won only one gold medal. Byamba Tuvshinbat of Mongolia (64kg) was named best boxer of the event. The tournament was the first-ever boxing event in Pakistan to offer prize money to boxers and teams.

Outside the ring, nine boxers, including Beijing Olympian welterweight boxer Joseph Mulema of Cameroon and eight other African boxers, embraced Islam, converting to the religion while in Karachi for the tournament.
FINAL RESULTS:

Weight Category Opponent 1 Country 1 Opponent 2 Country 2 Score
48kg Mohib Bacha PAK Nadir Baloch PAK 4:0
51kg Anant Pongkhet THA Abdul Wahid PAK 2:1
54kg Dang Yong CHN Jigjid Otgonbayar MGL WO.
57kg Donchai Thathi THA Wessam Salamana SYR 1:0
60kg Brahim Sandah SYR Adnan Hussain PAK 6:2
64kg Tuvshinbat Byamba MGL Mashurbek Ruziyev UZB 7:2
69kg Joseph Mulema CMR Ahmed Badr Jassem IRQ 15:0
75kg Mustafa Farah SYR Hu Sile CHN 14:3
81kg Meng Fanlong CHN Imre Szello HUN 7:1
91kg Xuan Bao CHN Mustafa Mohammed Galloub IRQ RSC 2
+91kg Li Heshuai CHN Mohammad Ghosoun Sumar SYR 2:1

British Pakistani Boxer Amir Khan signs with Golden Boy Promotions

GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS ENTERS INTO ALLIANCE WITH
KHAN PROMOTIONS TO PROMOTE WORLD CHAMPION AMIR KHAN

THE BRITISH STAR LOOKS TO SHINE IN THE UNITED STATES
WITH GOLDEN BOY IN 2010

In continuing with its goal to expand boxing on a global level, Golden Boy Promotions is extremely pleased to announce that a strategic alliance with Khan Promotions has been entered into to promote one of boxing’s hottest young World Champions, British superstar Amir Khan.

Khan Promotions has teamed with Golden Boy to promote Khan with the goal of expanding his presence globally, particularly in the United States, and looks to continue his reign as World Champion in the biggest and best fights.

“I am really happy Khan Promotions is partnering with Golden Boy as I know that together they will be the right team to help me continue my career as an elite fighter and to expand my fan base to the United States and around the world,” said Amir Khan. “I’m ready to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime and know that Golden Boy will help me accomplish these goals.”

“Amir Khan is one of the most talented fighters in the world at any weight,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “That talent, combined with his charismatic and out-going personality, makes him a promoter’s dream and I feel will one day lead him to being the face of boxing. We are extremely excited to team with Khan Promotions and look forward to introducing Amir to fight fans in the United States and around the world.”

“Working along side Khan Promotions, we are going to do everything in our power to get the biggest and best fights for Amir,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Amir is already a star in the United Kingdom and now, we are going to help him shine in the United States and across the world.”

Amir Khan (22-1, 16 KO’s) who hails from Bolton, Lancashire, United Kingdom is one of the brightest stars ever to emerge from the United Kingdom. He had an extremely accomplished amateur career highlighted by a trip to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens (as the sole member of the British boxing team) and brought home the Silver Medal at just 17 years of age. In five short years as a professional, Khan has proven himself to be more than just a charming Brit, his smile comes backed with lightning fast speed and a devastating punch. His notable victories include a first round knockout win over Graham Earl in 2007, a unanimous decision victory against Gary St. Clair in February of 2008 and a fifth round technical knockout of Michael Gomez in June of 2008. In March of 2009, he took a huge step up in competition and scored the biggest win of his career in defeating former World Champion and future Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera by technical decision in dominant fashion. His climb to the top continued on July 18, 2009 when he won his first world title by defeating Andreas Kotelnik via a lopsided unanimous decision for the WBA Super Lightweight World title. Just five months later on December 5, he made his first title defense by handing then-undefeated Dmitriy Salita, his first loss via a crushing first round knockout.

An opponent, date and location for Khan’s next fight will be announced shortly.

Sport wins at last! Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Boxing Tournament shows light at the end of the tunnel

By Alam Zeb Safi

Karachi: If sincere efforts are put in, victory never eludes one's grasp. After the Lankan cricket team came under attack in Lahore early last year, foreign teams were reluctant to visit Pakistan due to security concerns. Several influential persons in the sports circles tried to conduct international events in the terror-hit country after that big mishap in the capital of Punjab, their efforts proved futile.

Finally, the young aspiring president of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Doda Khan Bhutto and secretary Muhammad Akram Khan stepped in to make a minor miracle. And they managed to do so by organising the recently concluded Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament in which the pugilists from 20 countries from Asia, Europe and Africa showed their worth.

More interestingly, the PBF president made strenuous efforts to convince the more stubborn India to send its boxers and the neighbouring country responded positively by sending three boxers, a praiseworthy decision which added to the charm of the competitions which ran from January 2-8 at the KPT Benazir Sports Complex in Karachi.

Before the arrival of the teams, people, even the Sindh government dignitaries, were of the view that a maximum two or three teams would come for the event. An attack on the Ashura procession in the provincial metropolis made things doubtful. However, no country pulled out of the extravaganza and made the show successful. Though the Prime Minister and the President of Pakistan did not grace the opening and closing ceremonies, most probably due to security reasons, the federal sports minister and the federal minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination were present at both the occasions.

But the main achievement which made the organisers proud was when, on their invitation, light welterweight World champion Amir Khan arrived with his parents and uncle Tahir Mehmood to witness the final day's proceedings. The 22-year old British-Pakistani inspired everyone with his character. He met all the people irrespective of his stature, had pictures taken with them and gave autographs in such a polite manner which our proud cricketers should also learn.

He also showed his resolve to help Pakistani boxers in future and even promised to train the pugilists in his gym in England.

The presence of 1988 Seoul Olympic bronze medallist Syed Hussain Shah, who was also invited by the PBF, lifted the morale of the organisers. Hussain Shah is settled in Japan with his family where he also trains boxing professionals.

China, who had sent seven boxers, lifted the title by securing four golds, one silver and two bronze medals. They were followed by Syria with two gold and two silver medals. Thailand also got two golds while one gold medal each went to Mongolia, Cameroon and Pakistan. Along with the single gold which the hosts clinched through Mohib Bacha when he defeated his fellow boxer Nadir Baloch in the 48kg final, Pakistan, who had fielded 22 boxers, also claimed three silver and eight bronze medals and around Rs6.5m were given away as cash prizes.

The performance of Pakistan boxers, however, was not satisfactory. Though, 12 of the 22 managed to reach the semifinals, it shocked many when eight of them lost their semifinals bouts in the competitions in which the foreign countries had not even fielded their top boxers.

Pakistan are ahead a tough assignment in the shape of the South Asian Games slated to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 29 to February 9 and Cuban coach Francisco Roldan will have to work hard to improve the techniques of his boxers as Pakistan will face tough opposition from India; which has shown marked improvement in the field these days at international level.

The most talented boxer, Muhammad Waseem (51kg) will lead the team with Niamatullah (54kg), Abid Ali (57kg), Aamir Khan (64kg), Nisar Khan (75kg), Yasir Javed (91kg) and Mir Waiz (91kg plus) as its other members.

Let's also put a cursory glance on the event in general. From an Islamic point of view, the tournament will also be remembered for long as nine foreign boxers, six from Central Africa and three from Cameroon, embraced Islam during a special ceremony here at a local hotel. Mohtamim of Jamia Binoria International Mufti Muhammad Naeem recited Kalima to the young boxers who entered into the fold of Muslim Ummah after being impressed by the behaviour of the Muslim community in general. As far as security arrangements for the event were concerned, so I would say that these did not meet the needs of the tournament. It was a high-profile event in risky environment and it should have been conducted in the style of security which is normally provided to the cricket teams.

The teams' escorting process was fairly good but this correspondent saw that the Sports Complex where the bouts were conducted was not properly sealed. Though there were security personnel deployed around the main building and the traffic was also diverted from that road passing by the main venue but no heavy blockades were erected there and the main complex could have been hit easily by miscreants. In the end, the news might have irked the officials of the PBF that one kilogramme bomb was found under the ring before the start of the final day's proceedings. But there was no reality in the news item and it might have been a conspiracy to sabotage the bold effort of the organisers as why the nut-bolts and other things which the bomb disposal squad claimed to have found under the ring were not shown to the Sports Manager of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and the SHO responsible for security of the complex.

The event ended safely and I hope better arrangements would be done in future. For the local fans, the final day was frustrating as even those people were not allowed to enter the venue, who were issued special invitations cards.

Moreover, the functions during the competitions were marred by an unprofessional announcer, one of the PBF officials, who had no knack to hold the attention of the people.

In spite of the few drawbacks, the tournament was a big success and the effort should be appreciated. The event opened the doors for other international competitions. The teams, which stayed here during all these days, were all praise for the hospitality they were given and the way they were treated. All of them, including the Indians, wished to visit again and again. The PBF also showed its determination to make the spectacle a regular annual feature. This was for the first time that such a huge boxing extravaganza was hosted by Pakistan and that, too, in vulnerable environment, which is a huge success.

Benazir Bhutto boxing final photos from Dawn.com

Karachi: Images from the finals of the Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament held at the KPT Sports Complex, Karachi. -Photos by White Star/Tahir Jamal

Mohammad Waseem A member of the Pakistani boxing squad poses with British boxing champ Amir Khan. Khan was invited as a special guest for the finals of the event.

and other some pictures of final day

Pakistan have two gold medalist Boxers in SA Games

KARACHI: Pakistan announced a seven-member boxing team on Thursday for the South Asian Games penciled in for January 29 to February 9 in Bangladesh.

In the team, only Abid Ali and Mir Waiz have the experience of playing in the last South Asian Games held in Colombo in 2006 where Pakistan claimed five gold and three silver medals.

Initially, Pakistan had claimed seven gold but Mehrullah and Faisal Karim were stripped off their gold medals after they were tested positive for using cannabis.

Quetta-born Muhammad Waseem, who had to his credit two bronze medals in international circuit last year and another bronze in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International tournament held here recently will lead the side.

Interestingly, no one from the four finalists of the recently concluded Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament has been inducted into the squad because the entries were sent before the historic spectacle to meet December 26, 2009 deadline for submission of entries.

“We had to send the final entries last month in order to meet the December 26, 2009 deadline for submission of entries. We had sent the names of those boxers who were picked by Cuban coach Francisco Roldan,” the secretary of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Muhammad Akram Khan told ‘our sources’ on Thursday.

He said that Pakistan’s biggest rival is India, who has sent its squad to Russia for training ahead of the event in Dhaka.

“India have two big names in the side in the shape of the middleweight world’s top boxer Vijendar Singh and Aaqil Kumar in the featherweight but the rest are very much beatable,” said Akram not discounting the fact that if Pakistan avoid India in the early stages, there would be a good probability for a Indo-Pak final.

“We have also good boxers in the shape of Muhammad Waseem, last SAG gold medallist Mir Waiz and the young Aamir Khan and I hope that they along with the rest of the boxers in the lot will give good news to the nation,” the official said.

Akram said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament proved too good for the Pakistani boxers and the experience of playing in such a good tournament will help them in the South Asian Games. Roldan will serve as coach while Abdul Majeed Brohi will act as his assistant during the eight-nation show. Iqbal Hussain will accompany the squad as manager while Syed Ashraf Ali will go with the team as referee/judge.

Pakistan squad: Muhammad Waseem (51kg), Niamatullah (54 kg), Abid Ali (57kg), Aamir Khan (64kg), Nisar Khan (75kg), Yasir Javed (91kg), Mir Waiz Khan (91kg plus), Francisco Roldan (coach), Abdul Majeed Brohi (assistant coach), Iqbal Hussain (manager), Syed Ashraf Ali (referee/judge).

M.Waseem will lead seven member Pakistan Boxing team in South Asian Games

Karachi: Pakistan will send seven boxers for competing in South Asian Games commencing from 29th January at Dhaka, Bangladesh

The Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) has announced on Thursday Flyweight Mohammad Waseem (51kg), Bantam weight Niamat Ullah (54kg), Abid Ali (57kg), Light Welter Weight Amir Khan (64kg), Middle Weight Nisar Khan (75kg), Heavy Weight Yasir Javed (91kg) and Supper Heavy Weight Mir Waiz Khan (91+kg) will be seen in action during SAF games.

Flyweight Mohammad Waseem and Heavy Weight Yasir Javed won the Bronze Medals in recently concluded Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament and Waseem also was the only last year winner he won two bronze medals in Thailand and Turkey and he also show good performance in AIBA world Boxing championship was played last year in Italy, he Pakistan’s Medal hope boxer in South Asian Games.

Fransisco Hernandiz Roldan will be chief coach and Abdul Majeed Barohi his assistant with accompany of Mr. Iqbal Hussain he as a team manager (he also Vice President of Pakistan Boxing Federation) and Syed Ashraf Ali will be act during games as a referee/judges.

Secretary PBF Mohammad Akram Khan expressed we collect the team with consultant of Cuban and other National coaches they were need Pakistan compete in heavy weight.

Cuban Coach Fransisco Hernandiz Roldan said we are satisfied this team and we hope all boys will doing very well and we hopeful our boys competent for this job.

Pakistan Boxing team may will leave to Bangladesh on January 26.

The Team: Captain Mohammad Waseem (51kg) , Niamat Ullah (54kg), Abid Ali (57kg), Amir Khan (64kg), Nisar Khan (75kg), Yasir Javed (91kg) and Mir Waiz Khan (91+kg)

Fransisco Hernandiz Roldan (Chief Coach), Abdul Majeed Brohi (Assistant Coach), Iqbal Hussain (Team Manager) and Syed Ashraf Ali (Referee judge)

Mehrullah eager to make another comeback

By By Alam Zeb Safi
KARACHI: Fighting against time and adverse circumstances, Pakistan’s star boxer and Asian Games gold medallist Mehrullah Lassi is still hoping to represent his country in this year’s mega assignments of India and China and has rubbished the rumours that his career is over.

“No, my career is not over yet. I want to play in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games this year and I have been training hard under the supervision of Muhammad Siddiq Qambrani and as soon as I am match fit I will inform the Pakistan boxing authorities about my availability,” the star boxer, who had got a record purse of Rs5 million for lifting gold in the 2002 Seoul Asian Games, told ‘The News’ during a detailed chat on Wednesday.

Commonwealth Games are slated to be held in Delhi from October 3 to 14 while China will host the Asian Games from November 12 to 27.

A top official of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) informed the other day that Mehrullah’s career is now over.

“Last year, we gave him a chance to use his muscles in the World Championships, in Milan, but he could not prove himself and I believe that his career is now over,” the official said.

Mehrullah along with his teammate Faisal Karim was slapped with a life ban by the PBF in 2006 after both were tested positive for using cannabis at Colombo’s South Asian Games.

However, later it was converted into a two-year suspension as per International Boxing Association (AIBA) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules.

The two-year ban expired in August 2008 and after having gone through rigorous training both at home and abroad, the boxer was given a chance to play in the World Championships last September last year, but he failed to impress on his comeback, when he lost to Sandro Schaer of Germany 1-11 in his preliminary round bout.

“If I did not find myself capable of playing at the international level this year then at least I will be able to prepare few youngsters, also including my two brothers Samiullah (Navy) and Sanaullah (KPT) to represent Pakistan in these major competitions,” he said.

He admitted that he is facing problems to adapt himself to the new boxing rules, saying, unlike in the past, the game has become very fast and the boxers will have to be more accurate in both offense and defence.

“I will face no problem in defence but it could take time, even a year, to bring my attack upto the modern standards,” the boxer said.

Mehrullah is also not satisfied with the kind of training being imparted to the boxers during the national team camp.

“How can I join the camp, as here the coaches don’t provide training according to the temperament of the boxers and normally concentrate on only two or three boxers out of the 20 to 25 boys present at the camp,” he said.

Mehrullah also met light welterweight world champion Amir Khan on the closing day of the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament here last week and informed him about his resolve that he is still there and is determined to represent Pakistan in the twin major assignments this year.

Doda congratulated for holding mega event

KARACHI – Federal sports minister Aijaz Hussain Jhakrani and Inter provincial minister Pir Aftab Shah Jillani were among the host of high officials who praised the Pakistan Boxing Federation president Doda Khan Bhutto for successfully hosting the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto international boxing championship in Karachi recently.
In separate messages given personally on telephone or in writing, the officials congratulated the young president of the PBF and his officials for bringing good name to Pakistan by holding the 25-nation boxing event successfully.
Aijaz Hussain Jhakrani called the PBF head to congratulate him for creating a soft image of the country at a time when it needed it the most by hosting the event.
He said it could not have been done without the hard work and dedication of the PBF chief and his associates. The organisation would remain part of the national sports history, he added.
Federal Minister for Inter provisional coordination Pir Syed Aftab Shah Jillani said that holding the event was a huge achievement for the Pakistani nation.
President of Pakistan Olympic Association Arif Hassan, Secretary Abdul Khaliq Khan, Justice (Rtd) Khawaja Saeed Awan, Director General of Pakistan Sports Board Syed Amir Hamza Gillani and Secretary Sindh Olympic Association Ahmed Ali Rajput have also expressed same sentiments and added that it has only brought good name to Pakistan.
President of Balochistan Boxing and VP of PBF Faqir Hussain, Secretary Haji Khuday Raheem, Joint Secretary Liaquat Ali Durrani, Olympian Boxer Asghar Changezi have also congratulated the president of the PBF.

Pakistan can hold international tournaments’ Nieva Embuldenia

KARACHI: Nieva Embuldenia, the technical delegate of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament left on Monday for Colombo.

“Pakistan has hosted a major international boxing tournament successfully, which is a huge achievement and Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) and International Boxing Association (AIBA) both are satisfied with the arrangements of the tournament,” Embuldenia said.

“Newly elected PBF president Doda Khan Bhutto has been doing worthy efforts to uplift the game of boxing in the country. “PBF officials gave their fully cooperated with them and she also appreciates their friendly behaviour with them,” she said.

“PBF has convinced the world that they can hold international successfully with complete security of the sportsmen.” “The security measures taken during the tournament were also very satisfying,” she added.

Sikhs in Britain fight ban on bearded boxers

LONDON: Sikh groups in Britain have threatened "costly" legal action over an order banning bearded amateur boxers from the
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ring.

Muslims expressed outrage after the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE) barred 25-year-old bearded boxer Mohammed Patel from the ring last January on health and safety grounds.

At the time the ABAE ruling exempted Sikhs from the ban, further infuriating Muslims, but the body has now ruled that all amateur boxers must be clean-shaven, prompting Sikhs to join in the protest.

"It is unbelievably insensitive and grossly insulting. It is also offensive to our Muslim brothers who wear beards for religious reasons," said Indarjit Singh, director of the Network of Sikh Organisations.

"We request that the ABAE rescind their new ruling. Failure to do so will result in legal action which, as well as being costly, will do untold damage to the public image of the ABAE and boxing in general."

"It's such a petty go at the beard. It's a sport and it has some risks but the hair does not really in any way increase those risks," he added.

The International Boxing Association says referees need to see facial injuries during a fight, that beards can cause further abrasion and that doctors find it easier to treat facial injuries on clean-shaven men.

The ban is also being challenged by Muslims group in the town of Bolton in northwest England, where banned boxer Mohammed Patel comes from.

"Mohammed was actually very upset," said Inayat Omarji of the Bolton Council of Mosques told the BBC.

"It has raised the awareness of different people who have different religious commitments, cultural commitments. And in this day and age, they have to accept and work with the different communities."

An ABAE spokesman said the ruling has come from its international governing body, the International Amateur Boxing Association.

"It has nothing to do with race, only health and safety. Cuts aren't allowed in amateur, Olympic-style, boxing. We are completely different to the professional circuit."

"It's not unusual for a boxer to be told to shave right up until weigh-in time," he added.

PBF plan another international Boxing Tournament in july

PPI

Karachi, Notwithstanding low performance from Pakistani pugilists in recently concluded Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament, Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) has been widely acclaimed from all corners of the country for successfully holding of an international event.

The international sporting activities that has almost vacated the country, made a brilliant comeback in the form of eventful SBBIBT in which 24 nations participated. The only Pakistani Olympic medalist in boxing, Hussain Shah was called from Japan to attend the tournament. Hussain said that he appreciates PBF efforts for holding this event. Hussain won bronze medal in 1988 Seoul Olympics. Later, legendary boxing maestro Amir Khan, the UK based light welter weight world champion increased the glamour of the tournament by arriving here with his family to attend the closing ceremony of the tournament.

"There is a huge talent in Pakistan and I foresee boxing becoming a big sports here too under people like Doda Khan and Akram Khan," he said during his visit to the tournament. Moreover, nine African boxers revert to Islam during the tournament after getting inspired by the Muslims here. Pakistani boxers didn't really achieved some worthy milestone as they didn't even ended in top three teams of the event in spite two o its team featured in the event. China, Syria and Thailand reached the podium respectively occupying the positions.

Pakistan clinched only one gold medal out of eleven. Mohib Bacha was the gold medalist of the tournament for the hosts. The result shows that Pakistani boxers have to do a lot to make their impact felt in the international arena but regular of holding of such events would definitely uplift the game of boxing. "We organized this tournament only through our determinations and we had all the odds against us. However, we succeed to hold the international tournament and hopefully in future it would be
comparatively easier to hold such a tournament," PBF President Doda Khan Bhutto said.

"We are working for another international tournament in July after the success of this tournament. We have to start from scratch to hold an international event after the unfortunate and unpopular incident of deadly attack on Sri Lankan cricket team here in Pakistan last year. "Nobody was ready to come here and everybody here also doubted the holding of such an event. Many high-ups in government offices even ridiculed us. But by the grace of Allah we were successful in holding the tournament," PBF secretary Akram Khan said.

"It was a big event but unfortunately the people in the government failed to create hype of the tournament. They should have visited the tournament much often so that it could have gained more publicity," he added. He further said that the sponsors were reluctant to indulge with us because of lack of support from the government. "They also doubted that such an event could be held and therefore didn't come forward to sponsor us," Akram said. He further said that the same thing would not happen next time hopefully and they would be able to bring sponsors in for the tournament in July.

He said that international tournaments at home are very important for uplifting boxing in the country. "When the youth here see boxers playing and achieving glorious victories, they create a charm for the game in them. Moreover, more boxers could be featured in the events at home as we did during SBBIBT. They get exposure against international pugilists. If we had featured these 22 boxers in an international tournament somewhere else then they couldn't have achieved anything.

"Playing international tournaments away from home are also very important and infact are more valued but we could not groom boxers in abundance by only featuring in tournaments away from home. In the past PBF would sent only the same four or five top performing boxers to international events and Pakistan boxing would revolve around them. But when those boxers past their age, we had no other boxers on hand to be featured in international events. It was a big blow for boxing but now we are working almost from grass root level and hopefully would be able to achieve some worthy milestone soon," Akram said.

He said that tournaments like SBBIBT should regularly be held atleast twice a year for uplifting the level of local boxers and boxing as a whole in the country. ''The boxers' achievement in the tournament was good but not excellent. We had atleast won three golds. We still have to go along way.'' He further said that the SBBIBT tournament was not given popularity as it should have been given. "We should have been supported and commended from all sports circle as we succeeded in holding a sports event in which 24 nations participated. Exploiting the name of this tournament, other federations could also convince other nations to come and play here in Pakistan so that the sense of instability could be removed."

Year ends on lacklustre note for Pakistan snooker

Karachi: Another year has passed without any fanfare on the country’s snooker front though representation was made in all the global competitions and the cueists travel needs were met by the games controlling body through concerted efforts.

World, Asian, IBSF U-21 and 6-Redball World Grand Prix snooker contests were the four major events where Pakistan figured but in the end, none of the players could match their predecessor’s feats.

Mohammad Sajjad and Mohammad Asif earned the honour to represent the country in 25th Asian Snooker Championship in Tangshen, China, and the IBSF World meet in Hyderabad, India.

Raees joined Sajjad in the 6Redball at Bangkok while Asjad Iqbal and Hamza Akber travelled to Kish Island, Iran, to compete in IBSF U-21 event.

Asian spectacle was the first test for Pakistani cueists and Asif, who dethroned Sajjad to crown National title in March, made his exit in the pre quarter-final while the former national champion could not even make it to the knockout stage.

Sajjad, however, hit headlines in the 6-Redball when he blanked noted pro John Higgins 5-0 in the opener. The victory came after he was awarded first three frames due to late arrival of his opponent and raced to complete the rout by taking the next two.

Continuing, he stunned another celebrity Noppadon Noppachorn 5-4 but went down 2-5 to Habib Sabah before bouncing back to edge past Sancha Lippe 5-1.

He tasted second defeat, 2-5 to Matthew Stevens, to finish third in his group and advance to last 32. Finally, he ended his engagements losing 3-6 to Ricky Walden.

Raees, on the other hand, could only register one win in the league against an English player and met his fate.

Sajjad was again on song as he topped his group with an unbeaten run in the IBSF World Championship but failed to end the jinx by not going beyond last 32 while his contemporary Asif finished below par in last 64.

National junior champion Asjad and losing finalist Hamza also failed to deliver the goods in the U-21 event in Iran.

Pakistan’s world ranking was improved when the country leaped three places to attain seventh spot from previous 10th.

On the domestic front, the relations between PBSA and players which became sour in Aug 2008 were improved after the former offered nine-month central contract to top eight of every quarterly ranking.

The step put an additional burden of Rs4,05,000 on the games controlling body.Sajjad dominated the domestic scene capturing two of the three ranking titles after surrendering the national crown to Asif in March. Latif Masters, the fourth ranking event of PBSA calendar could not take place.

Sajjd was also offered a contract employment in the National Bank.
Asif surged to top slot in the first national ranking released after the 34th country’s premier championship pushing Sajjad to second place.

Sajjad, however, reclaimed his top position when he beat Raees 8-3 in the final to win the second event of the year. The latter who was earlier lying third earned the second slot in the second quarterly NR.

Sajjad maintained his top ranking after he overcame Saqib Butt 8-3 to grab the third ranking title of the year.

Alamgir Shaikh who succeeded Asghar Valika at the helm of PBSA shuttled between Karachi and Islamabad time and again and managed to secure hefty funds to the tune of 2.4 million rupees from the government for the first time ever to run the circuit.

He also brought in new sponsors and was instrumental in giving incentives to the cueists through central contracts.

Former world champion Mohammad Yousuf and former world No 2 Saleh Mohammad rose to the occasion after numerous attempts.

It was in the 10th appearance when the latter reached the pinnacle of his career before going down 6-11 to Indian Pankaj Advani at Jiangmin, China, in 2003.

Expecting miracles from the present lot in their maiden appearance is like asking for a moon. They too, need some time, exposure and coaching to reach excellence.

The boxer from Bolton

By Altamish Jiwa

Karachi: At the age of 23, when most young men are finishing up their studies and thinking about what to do with their lives, Amir Khan has already made a name for himself in the world of boxing.

This WBA world light-welter weight champion started boxing at the age of eight, when his father took him to a local boxing club near their home in Bolton, UK. “Amir was a very hyper active child, to burn off his extra energy and to calm him down I enrolled him in a boxing club, never thinking that one day he would become a champion,” says Amir's proud father, Shujaat Khan.

The initiative taken by Amir's father was also supported by his mother: “I was very happy when my husband took him to the gym because then he would be tired when he came back and would not get up to mischief and just go straight to sleep,” says Falak Khan.

Meanwhile, the young boy himself had never been happier. “Boxing really calmed me down and gave me positive energy. I still remember the sound of the punching bag and the sweat at the gym. I loved it and it made me go to the gym again and again,” says Amir in an exclusive interview with Dawn.

A natural athlete, Amir was passionate about several sports in addition to boxing while growing up. He enjoyed football, rugby and long-distance running. In fact, Amir was at one point the 1,500 metres champion of greater Manchester. But on one fateful night, he chose to become a boxer. “On the night of my running competition, I had a boxing match,” recalls Amir. “I had to pick one and I picked boxing; this is my sport and I have given everything to it.” And that’s when the running stopped and the sparring started.

Amir's hard work and dedication to the sport was soon to pay dividends. In 2003, he became the European student champion and went on to win gold medals in almost all the competitions on both sides of the Atlantic. These wins qualified him for the 2004 Athens Olympics, where he won a silver medal after loosing out to an opponent older and more experienced than him.

After winning the silver medal, Amir had become a household name in Britain, but he wanted more. The very next year, he turned pro and bid farewell to his amateur career in which he had won 100 matches and lost just two. As a pro, Amir fought in the lightweight category and soon went up a category to fight in the light- welterweight category, a decision which he reversed after he lost to French boxer Rachid Drilzane.

Amir fought his way back in 2006 and went on to win back-to-back matches all the way up to 2008. Then, once again, his career hit turbulence when he split with his coach Oliver Harison and soon after lost to Bredis Prescott under Jorge Rubio's guardianship. Amir's promoter Frank Warren was not happy with how things were turning out for his boxer, and Rubio was soon sacked. This time, however, Team Khan roped in one of the best coaches in the business, Freddie Roach. “Getting Freddie Roach was the best move,” admits Amir. “My style has changed and now I have a world title. Freddie has changed my life.”

With Freddie at the ring side, Amir went on to beat Andreas Kotlenick to win the WBA world light-welterweight championship belt. Subsequently, he defended his title, crushing Dmitry Salita in just 76 seconds. The stunning title defence against the American silenced critics and brought much admiration for the boxer.

Now with a world title tied around his waist, Amir knows he is a hot commodity. “I am an exciting fighter, that’s what I bring to the crowds. Wherever I fight I have sell-out arenas. Hundreds of thousands of people are buying my fights on TV and I get more love than any other fighter in Britain.”

Although he is cognisant of his fame and appeal, Amir manages not to seem vain in person. Signing autographs, posing for photographs, referring to his fans as ‘bro,’ Amir also makes every effort to mention how much he has learnt from senior boxers and how grateful he is for his trainers, coaches, fans, followers and, most importantly, his parents along with uncle ‘Taz’.

Despite achieving so much so early in life Amir stays true to his roots. Living with his family in their home in Bolton, Amir looks forward to returning to his mother’s cooking after a long day of training. Even in the matter of matrimony, Amir says he will stick to tradition and never defy the will of his parents.

Amir’s father Shujaat explains that, “we, as parents, have tried our best to keep our son close to us, our religion and our culture. I remember as kid Amir would go to school, then go for a run, take a shower, and then go to the mosque from where I would pick him and take him to the gym. This was his daily routine.”

Given his familial ties to the country, Amir is planning on fighting in Pakistan and working towards the development of boxing here. “My dream is to fight in Pakistan one day,” he confesses.

Until then, Amir plans to work hard and continue excelling in the ring. “I have had lots of ups and downs, but I have always been a fighter and I am strong willed,” he says. “It’s the extreme hard work I have put in this sport and that’s helped me reach so far.” With the support of his parents, the dedicated members of Team Khan, and millions of fans across the globe, especially in Britain and Pakistan, this young lad from Bolton is surely destined for world boxing domination.