Pakistani boxers face tough task at Asian Games, says coach

Hernandez hailed Balochistan’s Mohammad Waseem and British born Haroon Khan for their success at the Commonwealth Games, where both won bronze medals. —AP Photo

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KARACHI: Tougher competition at the Asian Games will make it difficult for Pakistan’s Commonwealth Games medal-winning boxers to produce similar results at next month’s competition.
“Draws for the Asian Games are tougher than those at the Commonwealth Games, so winning medals will be more challenging,” Pakistan’s Cuban boxing coach Francisco Hernandez told PPI on Sunday.
Hernandez underlined the need of international exposure for Pakistani boxers and said it is one of the main problems facing the local pugilists.
“Facing international boxers at a regular basis will help them gain confidence and boost their confidence at international events.”
The Cuban insisted that Pakistan has a number of talented young boxers but the lack of action is “forcing the talent to go to waste.”
“I have seen many players here who could have made an impression at international level.”
Hernandez hailed Balochistan’s Mohammad Waseem and British born Haroon Khan for their success at the Commonwealth Games, where both won bronze medals.
“They could certainly have a chance to win medals at the Olympics only if they undergo proper training and coaching before the London Games,” Hernandez said.
“I have told the federation (Pakistan Boxing Federation) that I want to take the boys to Cuba for training and coaching for an extensive three-month period,” he added.
The coach revealed that if the plan comes through, he will set up fights for them (Waseem and Haroon) against top Cuban boxers, which will be a great learning experience for the Pakistani pugilists.
“A boxer would not be able to know what the bouts at Olympics or other major events would be like unless he plays Olympic-level opponents.” —PPI