ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s boxer Mohammad Waseem will take on South Africa’s Moruti Mthalane in the Inter­national Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight world title bout in Malaysia on July 15.

Jointly staged by Manny Pacquiao, Golden Boy and Top Rank promotions, the fight will take place in Kuala Lumpur.

The 30-year-old has been given the opportunity to fight in the vacant IBF flyweight title against the seasoned Mthalane, who has a record of 37 bouts with only two defeats in his career.

“My training is underway and soon I will depart to for Las Vegas to better prepare myself under my trainer Jeff Mayweather,” Waseem said.

Also known as ‘Falcon Khan’ due to his quick and swift style of boxing, the Quetta-born pugilist turned pro in 2015 and since then featured in eight bouts, winning all these with an impeccable six knock-outs record.

He said he fully deserved the IBF bout.

“I held a World Boxing Council (WBC) title in silver flyweight category and defended that successfully but could not continue that due to sponsorship issues. But now I have got a promoter from England. I feel I am worthy of this bout,” he said.

Waseem’s opponent Mthalane (35), has been rated number three. He once held the IBF belt, but relinquished it in 2014. He fought his way to the top ratings by winning the IBF last year.

“I am so excited to take on such an experienced boxer. I am sure I am to going to win against him,” Waseem added.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2018