Pakistan’s only professional boxer Muhammad Waseem defeated Philippines’ Jether Oliva for World Boxing Council (WBC) silver flyweight title in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday. The judges unanimously declared the Quetta-based boxer as the winner, after he battled against his opponent for 12 rounds.
Waseem, nicknamed Falcon, is the only Pakistani boxer competing at the professional circuit. He made a move to professional boxing after getting disheartened with the Pakistan Boxing Federation’s (PBF) negligence towards the boxers.
Currently, the 28-year-old is working with Korean promoter Andy Kim and was trained for this bout by Floyd Mayweather’s uncle Jeff Mayweather in Las Vegas, Nevada for a month.
After an evenly matched first two rounds, the Pakistani pugilist picked up the pace and dominated the encounter till the final bell.
Coming into this contest, Waseem had only taken up three bouts and had won all of them on knockouts. He was aiming for the fourth knockout of his career, however, Oliva stood his ground.
Following Waseem’s victory, Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri congratulated the boxer on his historic achievement. Also, the provincial sports minister announced Rs 0.5 million for the 28-year-old on his fourth professional boxing win.
According to Waseem’s manager Kim, the 28-year-old was in his best shape for the most important bout of his life and winning the title will change his career.
“He is in great form, and Korean boxers aren’t on his level,” Kim was quoted as saying. Waseem also had an impressive amateur record with 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medal and 2010 World Combat Games gold medal to his name.
