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KARACHI: Pakistan’s boxing contingent for its 2012 Olympics qualifying campaign is faced with a dilemma which could result in a no-win situation for the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF).
To accommodate Haroon Khan, the brother of British boxing prodigy light-welter-weight champion Amir Khan, for a potential Olympics berth, the PBF has been forcing top local pugilist Mohammad Waseem to prepare for a lower weight category than his preferred 52-kg.
“I know that I play best in the 52-kg weight category. It is very exhaustive to reduce my weight below the 49-kg mark and then be expected to perform against top international boxers,” Waseem told PPI.
“Under normal conditions, I weigh around 57 kg and it takes a lot of effort to drop my weight before a tournament. I feel quite weak and I believe I cannot put my level best in the lower categories. Moreover, doctors have also advised me against that.”
PBF secretary Akram Khan, however, feels Waseem shouldn’t be complaining since he has proven himself in the 49kg category.
“Waseem won bronze medal in 49-Kg weight category in last years Commonwealth Games held in India, argued Akram Khan,” the PBF secretary said.
But Waseem believes only the best boxer in the 52kg should represent Pakistan.
“I have little monetary gains and my only incentive in boxing is that I represent my country, which I love to do. However, Haroon had only decided to represent Pakistan after he was snubbed by English selectors for 2010 Commonwealth Games,” he argued.
“I feel I am best in 52-Kg weight category but I would also say that the best boxer should represent Pakistan. If the federation thinks Haroon is better than me than it should call Haroon for a trial sparring before any event and then let the results of the trials decide.”
Pakistan can book a berth in next year’s Olympics by featuring and finishing on the podium in the Asian qualifying round to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan in March 2012.
