Daily Times

KARACHI: World Boxing Council’s (WBC) silver flyweight champion Muhammad Waseem on Monday expressed disappointment that the government of Pakistan had not offered him any support despite his achievements. Waseem successfully defended his WBC silver flyweight title yesterday as he defeated Giemel Megramo of the Philippines.

Speaking to media from Seoul, Waseem said that when he won his first WBC title for Pakistan in July, the federal government and the Balochistan Government had “promised to help him and commit to other financial help.” He added he felt “extremely disappointed that no one from both governments fulfilled their promise and did not even bother to call him.” He said he was thankful to the Inspector-General Frontier Corps and the Pakistan Army for their support and help he had received from them in managing his expenses and living costs Las Vegas where he received training in Floyd Mayweather Jr gym.

The Quetta-born boxer said that he trained and worked hard before his fight and had to be away from family and friends for long time. Waseem said his Korean promoter often reminded him about his abilities and achievement but also never forget to express his anger on the lack of support Waseem was receiving from his government despite his hard work.

Waseem said that he had received offers to play for other countries, like Korea, but he loved his country and would continue to represent Pakistan. Waseem said that during his last fight, “Both of us boxers did a lot of punching and I received 3 to 4 cuts near my eyes and face and I bear the pain with happiness for my country but I really fear for the future of boxing in Pakistan.”

He added: “The Pakistan boxing Federation is in a tug of war for posts and power but no one is doing any thing to promote boxing in Pakistan”. Waseem claimed that his fellow boxers are in bad shape and one of his fellow boxers use to work as vendor selling samosas to earn a living.
“Now imagine where Pakistan boxing stands at the and how bleak the future will be,” he said.