ISLAMABAD: Amir Khan, a British boxing champion of Pakistan origin, dedicated on Wednesday his WBC welterweight title to the victims of the Taliban attack on a Peshawar school and announced that he would auction the pair of shorts he wore during his latest match to raise funds for rebuilding the school and for other projects.

The pair of shorts carrying a waistband made from 24-carat gold thread is worth 30,000 pounds.

Mr Khan retained the title a few days before the attack by defeating American boxer Devon Alexander and had condemned the massacre of more than 130 schoolchildren.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he said: “What has taken place in Peshawar is absolutely horrific and sickening. After recently becoming a father myself, I cannot imagine how families of these innocent schoolchildren must be feeling.”

The well-known boxer said he was in Pakistan for a five-day visit to stand by the nation and to express solidarity with the victims of the carnage.

He said he was ready to cooperate in every way with the Pakistan government.

Talking about the place where his shorts would be auctioned, he said no decision had been taken in this regard. “May be in Pakistan or in England,” he told reporters.

Mr Khan also reiterated his desire to set up the Amir Khan Boxing Academy in Pakistan. He said he was exploring his options in this regard, adding that Pakistani youngsters had a lot of potential.

Later, he visited offices of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and saw the gymnasium, swimming pool and boxing hall on the premises.

During the visit, PSB Director General Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera suggested that the boxer set up his boxing academy on the same premises.

“Amir Khan showed his interest in establishing a boxing academy... It was our first meeting... I hope he will set up an academy here,” Mr Ganjera told Dawn.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2014