Balochistan CM, military honour Waseem

KARACHI: Pakistan’s pro boxer Mohammad Waseem was on Friday honoured by both the political and military leadership of Balochistan for lifting the World Boxing Council (WBC) silver flyweight title after beating the Filipino Jether Oliva in Seoul on July 17.

Waseem had separate meetings with the Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri and Commander Southern Command Quetta Lt Gen Aamir Riaz.

Waseem told ‘The News’ that he was very thankful to both the civil and military leadership of Balochistan for honouring him on his achievement.

“I will not forget the way they treated me,” Waseem said.

Sanaullah Zehri also handed over a cheque of Rs500,000 to Waseem. The minister also told Waseem that he would give him Rs5million for purchasing a house.

Zehri also offered his support to Waseem for financially backing his training in the United States for future bouts which would be for the world title.

Zehri also took a notice of his sports ministry for not sending its team to receive Waseem at the Quetta Airport the other day.

Zehri was the first person to congratulate Waseem minutes after he won the WBC silver title last Sunday.

Waseem was also accompanied by his father and other relatives during the meeting.

Meanwhile, Lt Gen Aamir Riaz also held a meeting with Waseem and congratulated the boxer for his amazing achievement.

Aamir also handed over a cheque of Rs2million to the boxer and promised support in getting sponsorship for him.

Waseem told this correspondent that the encouragement he received from both Zehri and Riaz would help him in future.

Waseem, who defeated Oliva in the 12-round clash, is expected to meet Punjab chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chief Imran Khan.

The boxer also plans to hold press conferences at Lahore and Islamabad. Karachi Press Club is also expected to arrange a grand reception to honour the world’s new silver champion. Waseem, who also won silver and a bronze medal for Pakistan in the Commonwealth Games, turned pro early last year and created a stir when he won the WBC silver title in only the fourth bout of his career.

Before achieving the milestone, the mercurial pugilist also had to his credit the Korean Boxing Commission (KBC) title.

The victory in Seoul also put Waseem on the verge of a world title. He has already challenged a few boxers also including Roman Gonzalez of Nicaragua.