Waseem set to make return to the ring next month

KARACHI: After six months of lay-off, World Boxing Council (WBC) two-time silver flyweight world champion Mohammad Waseem will be seen in action when he plays a couple of bouts in Panama against local boxers next month.

As per the schedule known on Thursday, Waseem will fight on July 5 and July 29 in Panama.

His promoter Andy Kim told ‘The News’ on Thursday that Waseem would move to Panama soon where he will be joined by his coach Jeff Mayweather, uncle of former world champion Floyd Mayweather Junior. Jeff has a handy contribution in Waseem’s rise in becoming the WBC silver flyweight champion.

The trip to Panama is in connection with Waseem’s preparations for his next big fight, the world title eliminator which is expected to be held in September-October in Korea.

“In Panama there are many little boys to spar with. And the environment is also not as distracting. I like this place,” Kim said.

For his previous fights Waseem mostly prepared in Las Vegas, the United States. It is not yet known who will be Waseem’s opponent in the world title eliminator which Kim said would be held in South Korea.

“I am awaiting response from the WBC,” Kim said.

Waseem is currently undergoing training in Quetta.

“I am training here and plan to move to Panama on June 20,” Waseem told this correspondent.

Waseem became the first Pakistani boxer to have emerged as the WBC world silver flyweight champion when he defeated Jether Oliva of the Philippines on July 17, 2016, in South Korea. It was only Waseem’s fourth bout, which also made him the first ever fighter to have won the coveted crown in such a short time.

Waseem then went on to defend his title on November 27, 2016, in Seoul when he upstaged Giemel Magramo of the Philippines through a unanimous decision in the 12-round marathon fight.

After defending his title, lack of sponsorship became an issue for the boxer. The federal government had announced Rs24million for the fighter but delay in its release and then in transfer wasted valuable time of the player.

However, the issue got resolved recently after the money was successfully transferred to both Waseem and his promoter.