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Today's Paper | November 28, 2024

Published 07 Jan, 2010 12:00am

Boxer Amir ready to fight in Pakistan

KARACHI, Jan 6 Amir Khan, the light welterweight world boxing champion, said on Wednesday he would try to help Pakistan pugilists and was ready to feature in a mega event conducted in Pakistan.

“I am ready to have a bout in Pakistan,” the 22-year-old from Bolton told the media at the Quaid-i-Azam International Airport on his arrival from Manchester.

“Pakistan possesses a lot of boxing talent. I will pass on the tips to them [Pakistani boxers] during my meeting with them,” Amir, nicknamed 'King Khan', who won the silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics before turning professional in 2005, said.

Amir, a cousin of England Test pace bowler Sajid Mahmood, said he was ready to represent Pakistan as his parents had their roots in this country, and thanked the followers of the sport for according a warm welcome to him.

Amir said he may also visit his ancestral city of Rawalpindi during his stay in Pakistan, and would be holding a media conference at a local hotel on Thursday at 3.30pm.

Earlier on his arrival, Amir was received warmly by the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) officials, Pakistani boxers and fans. Vice President Iqbal Hussain and Secretary General Mohammad Akram Khan garlanded Amir.

Akram expressed his delight over the arrival of Amir at the PBF invitation. “It's a great honour for the whole country and an inspiration for the boxing fraternity in Pakistan,” he commented.—APP

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