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KARACHI: The International Boxing Association (amateur) or AIBA has allowed professional boxers to represent their county in Olympics, thus making it a possibility that boxer Amir Khan can represent Pakistan at the mega sporting event.
When the star boxer, who is in Karachi ahead of a professional boxing event, was asked about the latest AIBA decision and his chances of representing Pakistan at the Olympics, Amir Khan said, "I will look into it. If possible, this could be amazing.”
“It will mainly depend on the professional contracts I have with my promoters. I will talk about this with my promoters once I get back to England.”
“Imagine if I take part in Olympics to represent my home country Pakistan, it will be something very special for me."
Amir Khan, however, didn’t say about how the Britain’s boxing association will react to this development. Meanwhile, Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Secretary Iqbal Hussain told DawnNews “it will be great if Amir Khan opts to represent Pakistan after AIBA’s latest decision”.
Hussain said “PBF is not in touch with Amir Khan as he is here only to promote and host a professional boxing event. But he is like a hero for Pakistanis and we really respect him”.
Pakistan's only boxer in professional boxing circuit, Muhammad Waseem, is likely to take part in qualification for professional boxers, while seven amateur boxers will leave to Kazakhstan on June 14 to take part in Olympics qualification round, he added.
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On DawnNews
Comments (35) Closed
Jun 01, 2016 11:30pm
Does he have Pakistani or British citizenship?
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Jun 01, 2016 11:33pm
I would highly suggest not to represent anything other than GB. He is a rare symbol of Pakistan-GB success. He will be betraying GB if he does that. He can still do a lot for Pakistan without the Olympic issues.
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Jun 01, 2016 11:49pm
Instead of giving these kinda statement just help Pakistani boxers and let them represent their country.
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Jun 01, 2016 11:54pm
He can do whatever he likes but , in my opinion, Britain has invested a lot in him and he could never have been Amir Khan were he born in Pakistan. It is very nice that he tries to do good for Pakistan but he must pay back to his homeland Britain before any other.
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Jun 02, 2016 12:09am
Earth shaking indeed if he wins a medal for Pakistan!
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Jun 02, 2016 12:23am
Very sad if he decides to represent Pakistan over his home country Britain
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Jun 02, 2016 01:40am
I hope he does represent Pakistan. I'm sure it will be an honor for him to fight for the most resilient Nation in the world. We welcome him with open arms and will stand behind him 100%
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Jun 02, 2016 01:53am
No Amir don't do this. We don't respect our one time heroes. As long as you win Pakistanis will be proud on you in case of vice versa they drag you down on earth.
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Jun 02, 2016 02:08am
Mr. Khan plz do not represent Pakistan, you should only represent the UK as it would be sending a wrong signal to other pakistani living in developed countries for a long time and are successful, people will taunt us as ungrateful to thier homeland country.
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Jun 02, 2016 03:04am
Don't make this mistake. We love you hear in Pakistan, but you are a British first. You are already doing what's right for the country of your parents. You are promoting boxing, charity and many other things. Just continue to do that.
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Jun 02, 2016 03:05am
Amir, learn from your younger brother Haroon. He has an amazing personal story how English boxing discarded him and favoured another boxer over him. Haroon was dropped from the English squad. In response, Haroon approached Pakistan Boxing federation and represented Pakistan. Interestingly, Haroon while progressing finally met that same English boxer in the ring and won, proving he was better than him and treated unfairly. However, later the humiliated English management cunningly used the Rule Book and by regulation forbade Haroon in future to take part in boxing from Pakistani side and at the same time remained unwilling to accept him in English team, thus ending his boxing career.
Amir has to be wary of the English ways and keep his guard on or he'll be on the floor
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Jun 02, 2016 03:11am
Professional boxers can not participate in Olympic.
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Jun 02, 2016 04:05am
He was born and raised in the UK ... how does that qualify him to represent Pakistan?
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Jun 02, 2016 05:12am
Keep representing britain, its not a wise idea to betray the country that feeds you.
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Jun 02, 2016 08:31am
AIBA should not allow professionals to compete in olympics, they are going to be bloodied and one sided at best. At least they should refrain combat sports from participating.
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Jun 02, 2016 09:30am
I remember this guy coming out with huge show, only to be Knocked Out in the second or third round.
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Jun 02, 2016 09:30am
This will be great for Pakistan not only in terms of medals tally but also for the development of the sport in future.
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Jun 02, 2016 10:08am
But he's british
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Jun 02, 2016 12:13pm
Looking graceful in Sindhi Topi and Ajrak. Let every Pakistani wear and adopt this Sindhi traditional and cultural attire as a Pakistani culture, while bearing in mind that the whole Pakistani area is part of Indus Civilization and the traces of Ajrak are found in the excavation of Moenjodaro.
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Jun 02, 2016 01:33pm
I am guessing Britain does not want him anymore. He has been losing most of his matches
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Jun 02, 2016 01:37pm
Like Pakistanies like biryani, why not get something from the outside and eat when you cannot make it at home!! Please try to work and produce some good boxers in Pakistan. Do your Job! Amir Khan is too kind!
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Jun 02, 2016 01:53pm
British Pakistanis , born , bred in UK, got good life , good education, best of opportunities but their heart never beats for the country which gave them some much in life.
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Jun 02, 2016 02:03pm
@Blister well said.
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Jun 02, 2016 02:38pm
@unbelievable Because his parents and grandparents are from Pakistan.
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Jun 02, 2016 03:04pm
Amir is profession boxer, so is not allowed to take part in the olympics himself, he can however take on a role of coach for Pakistani team there is nothing wrong in that, its a job. Look at Cricket, England have used Pakistani ex players to coach their team likes of Mushi, Saclain Mustaq, and vice vers.
But yes i would get clearification from British promotors first before engaging in this.
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Jun 02, 2016 03:10pm
@Kulbhushan Yadav "Professional boxers can not participate in Olympic".
Mr. Yadav, the first sentence of the article says:
The International Boxing Association (amateur) or AIBA has allowed professional boxers to represent their country in Olympics.
Please concentrate. It's similar to tennis where professionals can take part in Olympics, just like Sania Mirza who is a professional player and has been participating in Olympics singles and doubles.
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Jun 02, 2016 03:34pm
Kevin Peterson was born and bred in SA, and he played for England and now considering playing in SA again. SA doesn't own KP.
So what if Amir decided to fight for PK. It's his choice. As long as he does it by getting all paperwork in place with relevant GB authorities.
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Jun 02, 2016 04:06pm
@Nalini "I remember this guy coming out with huge show, only to be Knocked Out in the second or third round".
Wow for your good memory but it wasn't a second or third round either. Also, have some boxing knowledge. Amir Khan is already a Silver Olympics medalist. The occasion you may be mentioning is his bout with Saul Alvarez. Remember Amir jumped up his own weight category to fight a heavier Alvarez, only twice had been achieved with wins in professional boxing. Such a decision was taken in desperation as Manny Pacquiao who is Amir khans category is avoiding the challenger Amir to fight him. Amir is a big fighter and brave enough to fought Saul Alvarez.
Olympics, on the other hand may also give Amir Khan the opportunity to fight Manny Pacquiao who as such is avoiding a fight. Probably, Pacquiao won't get away this time in Rio.
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Jun 02, 2016 04:12pm
Don't do it - too controversial for 2 reasons - 1) Olympics should be for amateurs (2) don't bring your loyalty to GB into question
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Jun 02, 2016 04:17pm
When he is in his downfall and fearing Britain might not allow him to represent, he is looking for a third world country to represent. Nice
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Jun 02, 2016 04:22pm
@Nalini this is part of the game. Think positive instead of sitting on your iPhone and writing negative.
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Jun 02, 2016 04:45pm
@All
Well said.
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Jun 02, 2016 06:30pm
I think he should represent Britain as British-Muslims need icons like him but in the end it is his personal decision.
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Jun 03, 2016 12:37am
@inam ali uk Professional boxers are now allowed to represent their country in olympics.
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Jun 03, 2016 12:56am
The real King Khan.
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