Waseem survives knockdown to win semi-final bout

Published August 1, 2014
Pakistan's Muhammad Waseem (RED) lands a punch on Ghana's Abdul Omar (R) during the Men’s Fly (52 kg) semi-final boxing match at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. -Photo by AFP
Pakistan's Muhammad Waseem (RED) lands a punch on Ghana's Abdul Omar (R) during the Men’s Fly (52 kg) semi-final boxing match at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. -Photo by AFP

Pakistan were assured of at least another silver medal at the XX Commonwealth Games after boxer Muhammad Waseem won his fly-weight (52kg) semi-final bout against Abdul Omar of Ghana in Glasgow on Friday.

The 26-year-old fighter from Pakistan is, however, confident that he can go all the way and bring the first gold medal for the country when he takes on Andrew Moloney of Australia in the final on Saturday.

"I've been working so hard for this moment and all credit goes to Almighty Allah who gave me the strength," Waseem said after the fight.

The Quetta-born boxer had a torrid build up to the Games in Pakistan where training camps were organised in a haphazard way.

"This time I am not so satisfied with the training in the national camp, which was conducted for a short period of time, but I will try to do my best," Waseem, who idolises former American champion Mike Tyson, said.

But it is Waseem's determination that has seen him perform so well at the Games, the kind of spirit that was evident in his semi-final win on Friday in which he was floored once by his Ghanian opponent before winning 30-27, 30-27, 30-27 on points.

He also had a special word of gratitude for British boxer Amir Khan who held a small sparring session with the Pakistani before the fight.

"Amir Khan and I had a short sparring session," he said.

"Thanks brother for being here and supporting me. I hope someday I have that privilege to face you.Thanks for all those tips," Waseem said in a message to Khan.


Muhammad Waseem's road to the final


Men's Fly (52kg) Final Bout
Scheduled for August 2 Pakistan - Muhammad Waseem Australia - Andrew Moloney

Men's Fly (52kg) Semi-final 1
Pakistan - Muhammad Waseem 3 Ghana - Abdul OMAR 0

Men's Fly (52kg) Quarter-final 1
Pakistan - Muhammad Waseem 3 Lesotho - Moroke Mokhoto 0

Men's Fly (52kg) Round of 16 Pakistan - Muhammad Waseem 3 Malaysia - Jaya Raman Selvakumar 0

Opinion

Editorial

Double-edged sword
Updated 17 Apr, 2025

Double-edged sword

While remittances have provided critical support to current account, they have also been a double-edged sword.
Besieged people
17 Apr, 2025

Besieged people

DESPITE all the talk about becoming a ‘hard’ state, Pakistan is still looking incredibly soft when it comes to...
Deadly zealotry
Updated 17 Apr, 2025

Deadly zealotry

Murdering people and attacking firms is indefensible and only besmirches the Palestinian cause.
Improved outlook
Updated 16 Apr, 2025

Improved outlook

Remittances have proved to be most crucial lifeline for Pakistan in recent years.
Water dispute
16 Apr, 2025

Water dispute

WITH a long, hot summer looming ahead, the last thing the country needs is two provinces fighting over water. Yet,...
A positive start
16 Apr, 2025

A positive start

FROM American threats of bombing Iran, things have taken a more positive turn as President Donald Trump’s emissary...