Islamabad
Pakistan’s top pro boxer Muhammad Waseem has said that his ultimate goal is to get a rematch with South Africa’s Moruti Mthalane and claim International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Flyweight title.
Waseem lost to Mthalane in controversial circumstances in Malaysia in July 2018. He had gone up against the South African in the 12-round bout. Although he left his opponent wobbling with both of his eyes swollen, the judges ruled 114-113, 114-113 and 116-110 in favour of his opponent.
“Since then I’ve been pressing him [Mthalane] for a challenge again, but to no avail so far. It’s clear he doesn’t want to fight me. But he is left with only two options now – either to fight me to defend the title or vacate it as I’ve already challenged for that,” Waseem told APP.
The Quetta-born gladiator, who rebounded with wins over Conrado Tanamor and former WBC Lightweight champion Ganigan Lopez in 2019, was scheduled to fight former European champion Ryan Farrag in March, but the bout was cancelled due coronavirus pandemic.
He said his UK visa was expired in March and during the period of nothingness he had been finding it hard to maintain his fitness level. “In April, I underwent a three-week training in Dubai.—APP
