KARACHI: Boxer Amir Khan has hands of steel and a heart of gold.

The renowned international pugilist made waves and vows at a crowded press conference here on a sultry Wednesday afternoon that surely won him another few million fans in Pakistan, and the world over, for being human to the core apart from being a prolific fighter.

In Karachi for a hectic, action-packed three-day visit, the charismatic British professional of Pakistani origin pledged to promote boxing among the youth by raising academies besides extending a helping hand to the perpetually drought-stricken people of Tharparkar.

Both his gestures earned thunderous applause from the audience and the large media contingent present in the hall which was a testament to Amir’s popularity that often transcends the boundaries, especially when it comes to his camaraderie with the masses.

“I keep coming back to Pakistan because I believe in this country and will not rest until I produce a world boxing champion from here,” said Amir. “I aim to establish boxing academies in major cities here with the state of the art equipment in place for the youth of this country to take up the sport seriously and excel in it.”

But while his cherished sporting project is caught up in the red tape with Pakistan government who need to sanction a piece of land for his inaugural boxing academy in Islamabad, Amir is drawn back to the birthplace of his forefathers for a charity project that would eventually fetch some clean drinking water for the people of Thar desert.

“I have never been to Thar but was really touched after watching a video that highlighted the miserable living conditions and abject poverty in that region, especially the dearth of drinking water resources,” said the 30-year-old champion as his voice choked with emotions.

“All of us waste so much water every day without realizing how those people in Thar are dying for want of it. So my foundation, with the help of organisations here, intend to raise funds for the people of Thar to provide clean drinking water for them.”

Amir, the current World Boxing Council silver welterweight champion, went on to unveil plans for a charity fight night that is to be held at the Pearl Continental on Thursday, June 2 which will be featuring about half a dozen international boxers including Amir’s brother Haroon alias Harry King Khan, Tasif Khan, Gallagher Dayle, Jody Meikle, Stuart Maddox, Francis Peter Douglas Croes and Phil Townley.

“All these friends of mine are champions in their own right,” he said while introducing the fellow fighters. “They seem to be sitting calmly together at the moment, but believe me, they will be at each other’s throat tomorrow.”

The grand event, to be held under the auspices of Amir Khan Foundation and backed by Habib Bank Limited, Hashoo Group and other sponsors, will have exhibition bouts in middleweight, bantamweight and cruiser-weight.

Tables for the fight night are being sold for Rs 150,000 each while the event will also see auction of Amir Khan’s souvenirs and all the funds from the night will be utilised in building water wells in Thar.

The visit of the international boxers for the charity event is also supported by the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) from the United Kingdom.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2016