Amir in Karachi to launch pro boxing in Pakistan

KARACHI: Renowned British boxer and former world champion Amir Khan has reached Karachi to hold a charity event which will involve a few pro-fights among boxers from Britain and Ireland.

Boxers Tausif Khan, Gallagher Dayle, Jody Meikle, Stuart Maddox, Francis Peter Douglas Croes, Phil Townley and Amir’s younger brother Haroon Khan will be part of the fight night to be held on June 2 here at the Pearl Continental Hotel.

The organsiers said that Amir reached the port city late Sunday night and remained engaged in various activities relating to his event throughout the day on Monday.

His main purpose is to generate funds to drill water wells in Thar in Pakistan.

One of his important meetings on Monday was with the British High Commissioner who would also help the former Olympic silver medallist in his cause.

On Tuesday (today) Amir will meet people at Dolmen Mall in Clifton around 6:30pm.

On Wednesday (tomorrow) he will hold a press briefing at the PC along with international boxers to brief media about the fights and his plans for Pakistan.

Amir had said during his previous tour, in December last year, that he would bring professional boxing to Pakistan.

However, the organisers said it was not confirmed if his brother Haroon would play on June 2.

The 25-year-old Haroon represented Pakistan and won bronze medal in the light flyweight in the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. After that event, he decided to turn pro. So far he has played five pro fights and won them all.

Amir has already established a boxing academy in Lahore and is going to establish one in Islamabad for which he has signed an MoU with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

He also wants to establish an academy in Lyari where he was warmly welcomed during his previous visit.