KARACHI: World Boxing Council (WBC) two-time world silver flyweight champion Mohammad Waseem’s promoter Andy Kim is making hectic efforts to organise the world title bout for the Pakistani boxer in South Korea but he is facing a huge sponsorship problem.
If he fails to meet the required financial demand then Waseem will have to play in his rival’s country and this may create problems for the Quetta-born fighter to secure his first world crown.
“I will need the funds so that I will be able to host the world title bout in Korea, our own territory. Otherwise, we may get the title shot but have to go to Japan which means he is likely to lose by hometown decision,” Kim told ‘The News’.
The world No 1 Waseem is expected to meet in the world title fight against the knock-out artist and Japan’s most accomplished 22-year old boxer Daigo Higa, reigning flyweight world champion. He is the most dangerous fighter in his class, having won all his 13 bouts he has played so far through knock-outs.
In the WBC convention in October, Kim would formally file a request for the title shot of Waseem against Higa.
When asked how much sponsorship he has managed so far he said: “I have got no sponsors and we will need funds more than we needed last time because world title fight is very expensive. I am worried as Japanese have a lot of money. Higa is their hero just like Waseem,” Kim feared.
He said that it would be better if Pakistan’s government extended its support like it did last time.
Pakistan’s government has given Rs24 million to Waseem and his promoter three months back.
Waseem told ‘The News’ the other day from Panama that he is in good shape and desperately waiting for his major bout.
“I am working hard and am in fine shape now. I don’t know when I will fight for world title but I am ready for the challenge,” Waseem said.
However he was quick to add that his promoter needs money for hosting the fight in Korea.
“Kim is spending a lot of money on me. For the last two months I am in Panama along with the coach and you know it also needs a lot of amount,” the boxer said.
Waseem, who is also a former champion of the Korean Boxing Commission (KBC), has played both his world silver title bouts in Korea, home of Kim who owns AK Promotions.
The 29-year old Waseem, who has to his credit a decade-long amateur career, made his pro debut in 2015 and so far have played seven bouts, wining them all. This also includes five knock-outs.
Waseem shot to fame when he lifted his world silver title on July 17, 2016 after beating Jether Oliva of Philippines in Seoul. He then went on to defend his crown after four months when he upstaged Giemel Magramo of Philippines on November 27, 2016, in Seoul.
Waseem these days is preparing in Panama under his Las Vegas-based coach Jeff Mayweather for the biggest fight of his life. Last month, he defeated two Panama boxers with an enviable ease.
He is now expected to fight against a Columbian fighter on August 23.
“For now that’s the plan but fight is not confirmed until we have an opponent and sign the fight contract,” Kim said.
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