KARACHI, Nov 28: Pakistan’s banned boxer Mehrullah Lassi on Tuesday expressed hope that Pakistan Boxing Federation would reduced the life ban imposed on him for failing a dope test in the South Asian Games, Sri Lanka, in August.

Mehrullah was banned along with Faisal Karim and had to surrender their medals.

He said he would be meeting with country's boxing chief Anwar Chowdhry on Thursday to discuss the matter.

“I am hopeful that Professor Chowdhry will reconsider my punishment and show leniency,” Mehrullah added.

The 2004 Busan (Korea) Asian Games gold medallist said he was very upset with the verdict and dejected on missing the Asian Games in Doha.

“I am disheartened with the ban as I was strenuously preparing for the Asian Games and confident of bringing laurels to the country,” Mehrullah said.—PPI