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Express Tribune
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Brilliant boxer Waseem's world title celebrated
Pakistan's WBA bantamweight champion Muhammad Waseem (second from right) is seen with Consulate General of Japan in Karachi Mr Hattori Masura (first right) and other Consulate officials. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD WASEEM "I am very proud of Waseem, I am not a big fan of sports but I am very impressed with Waseem's achievements," The Consulate General of Japan in Karachi Hattori Masaru was brimming with joy and delight as he hosted the recently crowned World Boxing Association bantamweight champion Muhammad Waseem at the reception on June 3 at his residence. The meeting and dinner were held to celebrate the Pakistani ace boxer's feat, which he achieved on May 10 in Quetta, where he defeated Venezuela's Wiston Orono with a knockout in the ninth round. Waseem had fulfilled his lifelong dream to win a world title in his hometown of Quetta, and he managed to bring several international boxers and officials from around the world to his city despite the aerial war that was taking place between India and Pakistan at the time. Mr. Hattori was honouring Waseem on Tuesday, emphasising the role the 37-year-old pugilist is playing in bridging the gap between Japan and Pakistan. Waseem has spent years training in Japan since 2015 onwards. The training in Japan gave him the foundation as he switched to professional boxing from amateur in 2015. Waseem's reception by the Japanese Consulate General was a mix of tribute to both Japan and Waseem's deep-rooted connection to Karachi, which had been his home and grooming ground after his home Quetta. "It is my honour to welcome the champion," Hattori told this correspondent. "He knows Japan so well and he is also a world champion, as a Jqapanse I am very much happy that he got the champion belt." At the dinner, Mr. Hattori was also accompanied by Mr Nakagawa Yasushi and Kumagae Takahiro. Waseem also invited his friend Farid Khan and this correspondent to attend the reception. Nakagawa, who is also a friend of Waseem's added that he insisted that the former two-time World Boxing Council Silver Flyweight champion bring his friends along at the intimate meeting which was followed by a traditional Kaiseki menu. Waseem is also in the middle of planning his next bout and he will aim to consolidate his world championship titles, where he would want to not only retain his WBA belt, which he had brought in a silver briefcase to show Mr. Hattori and his friends at the dinner, but he would want the WBC, World Boxing Oraganisation and the International Boxing Federation titles too. He is hoping to fight with Japan's multi-weight world champion Junto Nakatani. Mr Hattori shared his experience of Karachi and Pakistan since he was appointed a year and a half ago. "Karachi is a very cosmopolitan city, and every night and weekend there are events. But when it comes to sports here in Pakistan, I watched the softball event that I enjoyed very much. It was held by the Pakistan Softball Federation," said Hattori, who is a baseball fan himself. "Pakistan is totally different from Japanese customs and culture," he said when asked about how he would describe Pakistan to the world. "It is also the home to Indus Valley Civilisation, Japanese people know it well and we teach our children about it in junior high school, so people know about it well. When it comes to having cultural exchange through sports Mr Hattori added: "There are so many Japanese-oriented sports that are taken up by Pakistanis like Jiu-jitsu and Karate, so Pakistani people know about Japanese culture and that helps." Meanwhile, Waseem added that he wanted to thank the consulate officials. "The Japanese always respect the sportspersons and especially boxing, I have always been welcomed and respected by Mye Nakagawa, who is a great friend of mine, and by the Japanese Consulate, they have always supported me. "I am also looking for a fight, hopefully with Nakatani, but nothing is confirmed yet, I might know about it by next week or so," said Waseem. Waseem, also known as Falcon, will be flying out to the United Kingdom for further training by the end of this month. Meanwhile, Nakagawa concluded with encouraging words, "I'm greatly honored to have such a great athlete and a pride of Pakistan as a friend. I wish all him best and more success. And go on further, go Falcon, go."
National Post
05-06-2025
- Health
- National Post
Terry Newman: Sorry, Imane Khelif. You won't be punching any more women in the face.
Sex confirmation testing results for Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif, an Algerian who has racked up numerous medals defeating women in boxing, were leaked Sunday. The results proved what many around the world already suspected — that Khelif is a biological male who had no business being in a boxing ring with women, and a letter on a passport won't change that. Article content Article content American sports journalist Alan Abrahamson posted on his website, 3 Wire Sports, an image of Khelif's 2023 sex confirmation results which were performed in New Delhi by Dr Lal Pathlabs prior to the 2023 International Boxing Association (IBA) Women's World Boxing Championships. The result reads: 'chromosomal analysis reveals male karyotype,' meaning Khelif is a biological male with XY chromosomes. The report was also uploaded in full by science writer Colin Wright. Article content Article content And as far as female sex confirmation tests go, this isn't the first Khelif has failed. In addition to the test taken in New Delhi, Khelif failed the same test administered by IBA in Istanbul in 2022. Article content The leaked test results followed a statement Friday from the World Boxing Association, which announced it would be following the IBA, introducing its own mandatory sex testing for all boxers to ensure participant safety and a competitive level playing field for both men and women. The association made it clear that Khelif 'will not be allowed to participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup or any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes sex testing.' Article content With two major boxing associations now backing sex-based eligibility, there's hope that biological females will no longer have to square off against biological males, as China's Yang Liu had to against Khelif, who defeated her for the gold medal in women's welterweight boxing at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. Article content Article content Five days into those Olympic Games, before their match, IBA released a statement expressing concern about the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) 'inconsistent application of eligibility criteria.' The IBA raised competitive fairness and safety concerns about IOC's 'differing regulations on these matters.' Article content IBA warned that Khelif and another boxer failed eligibility criteria for participating in the women's competition after taking a 'recognized test' which they claimed 'conclusively indicated that both athletes did not meet the required necessary eligibility criteria and were found to have competitive advantages over other female competitors.' IBA noted that the decision to disqualify both athletes was made after a 'meticulous review,' explaining that it is 'extremely important and necessary to uphold the level of fairness and utmost integrity of the competition.'
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mike 'The Body Snatcher' McCallum, boxing hall of famer and three-time champion, dies at 68
Mike McCallum is lifted up by his ring team after he retained his World Boxing Association junior middleweight title against Julian Jackson in Miami Beach, Aug. 23, 1986. (Joe Skipper / Associated Press) Mike "The Body Snatcher" McCallum was so feared for his impeccable technique that the "four kings" of the 1980s declined to fight him. Nevertheless, McCallum won world titles at super welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. McCallum, the first Jamaican-born champion, died Saturday in Las Vegas at 68. The Jamaica Observer reported that McCallum fell ill while driving to a gym and pulled off the road. He was found to be unresponsive, and was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Not that his inability to secure a bout with Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard or Marvin Hagler spoiled his mood. It was particularly telling that Hearns wouldn't fight McCallum, because they were longtime sparring partners before becoming champions. McCallum was disappointed but remained all smiles outside the ring, consistently carrying himself with a pleasant, if serious, disposition. In the ring, his attention to detail and faultless technique enabled him to post a 49-5-1 record. McCallum earned his nickname by repeatedly punching the body and head. More often than not, bouts ended in knockouts — he recorded 36 KOs and was never knocked out. The Ring magazine ranked him in 2011 as eighth on their list of the "10 best middleweight title holders of the last 50 years." Advertisement "None of 'The Four Kings,' wanted anything to do with that guy and I know that for a fact because I tried to make some of those fights," Hall of Fame boxer Lou DiBella told longtime boxing writer Kevin Iole. "He was the most perfect technical fighter I've ever seen, and he wasn't a pitty-pat guy." Read more: Georgia O'Connor, beloved and unbeaten British boxer, dies at 25 McCallum became the first Jamaican boxer to win a world title when he defeated Irishman Sean Mannion by unanimous decision in 1984 at Madison Square Garden for the WBA Junior Middleweight crown. Jamaican Sport Minister Olivia Grange issued a statement upon learning of McCallum's passing, saying, "It is with utter and complete sadness that I learned of the death of Jamaica's three-time World Boxing Champion Michael McKenzie McCallum. Advertisement 'I express my personal condolences to his mother, siblings and his children. On behalf of the Ministry of Sports I take this opportunity to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of this legendary Jamaican." Michael McKenzie McCallum was born Dec. 7, 1956, in Kingston, Jamaica, and began boxing as a teenager, racking up as many as 250 amateur bouts before turning pro in 1981. He represented Jamaica at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals. He boxed professionally until 1997, successfully defending the WBA junior middleweight crown six times, including wins over Julian Jackson, Milton McCrory and Donald Curry before moving up a weight class to middleweight. Read more: Commentary: Thirty years ago Freddie Roach didn't take sage advice, opened Wild Card Boxing Club Advertisement McCallum defeated Herol Graham in 1989 to become WBA middleweight champion and defended the belt with wins over Steve Collins, Michael Watson and Sumbu Kalambay. He won his third division title in 1994 by again stepping up in weight class and defeating Jeff Harding for the WBC light heavyweight crown. He met his match against James Toney, fighting to a draw Dec. 13, 1991, before losing to Toney twice. McCallum also dropped a 12-round decision to Roy Jones in a 1997 light heavyweight title fight. He retired shortly thereafter and became a successful trainer, taking great pride in teaching his body-punching technique to young boxers. Jones expressed sadness to Kevin Iole, saying, "Man, we lost another beautiful boxing soul. May he rest in peace.' Advertisement Jones also lamented that McCallum was unable to book fights against the four kings. 'In the junior middleweight division, everyone always went around Mike McCallum, and that says a lot about him," Jones said. "Not even Marvin [Hagler] ever talked much about fighting Mike McCallum. You don't have to listen to what they say [about him]. You watch what they do and everyone wanted to go around him for a reason.' In a post on X, the WBC said: "Rest in Peace to the legendary Mike 'The Body Snatcher' McCallum. Former WBA world champion and one of the most technically gifted fighters of his era. Thank you for the fights, the lessons, and the greatness. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
7NEWS
22-05-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Hearts break as much-loved boxer Georgia O'Connor dies after cancer batter, aged 25
Tributes are flowing for much-loved boxer Georgia O'Connor who has tragically died at the age of 25. O'Connor was from Durham in England's north-east, and was a boxer on the rise after winning the gold medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2017. Last year she revealed she had ulcerative colitis (which gave her 'unbearable' cramps and bowel issues) and earlier this year she was diagnosed with cancer. And in a heartbreaking twist, just two weeks ago she was married and taken her boyfriend's surname, Cardinali. The boxing world has been shattered by the sad news. 'It's hard to make sense of this,' O'Connor's promoter Ben Shalom said. 'A lot goes on in life but nothing else matters other than your family and your health. 'My heart goes out to Georgia's parents and partner, who I know did everything they could tirelessly and are going through so much right now. 'Georgia was an inspirational person and one I'll never forget. So sorry for her family and all her friends. Truly heartbreaking.' in 2021 O'Connor made her professional debut after a decorated stint as an amateur. Ben Shalom's Boxxer was her promoter and she was undefeated in three fights. 'We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O'Connor. A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon,' Boxxer said. 'Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at Boxxer. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.' World champion Ellie Scotney said her good 'was the most beautiful human' on she had ever come across. 'I was so blessed with not just a friend for 10 years, but a sister for life,' Scotney said. 'Even when life was on a timer, you never let anything dim that light of yours. A smile that never ever fades, and a heart that will forever live on in so many ways. 'There was nothing you couldn't do, the world at your very feet no matter what room you entered.' The World Boxing Association said O'Connor was a gifted British boxer whose dedication and fighting spirit left an 'indelible mark on the sport'. 'O'Connor, who rose to prominence with a standout performance at the Commonwealth Youth Games, showcased extraordinary talent every time she stepped between the ropes. 'She passed away at just 25 years old after a courageous battle with cancer—a fight she met with the same grit and heart that defined her boxing career. 'The WBA joins her family, friends, and the entire boxing community in grieving this heartbreaking loss. Georgia's legacy extends far beyond the ring — her passion for boxing and the bravery she displayed both inside and outside the squared circle will be remembered always. 'In this moment of sorrow, the WBA sends its heartfelt condolences to her loved ones and reaffirms its commitment to supporting and standing by the athletes who dedicate their lives to the sport.'
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Waseem new WBA bantamweight champ
"It was a dream that has come true and I can't thank my people enough for it," the newly crowned World Boxing Association World Gold Bantamweight champion Mohammad Waseem said in his hometown, Quetta which staged Pakistan's first professional boxing event. Waseem has been chasing not only another world title but also his ultimate dream to win it in front of his home crowd in Pakistan, to give them a taste of proper boxing bouts. The former three-time World Boxing Council Silver Flyweight Champion grabbed his title against Venezuela's Wiston Orono in front of a crowd of thousands. He knocked out Orono in the ninth round after a flurry of body shots, culminating in a final knockout punch. "I felt so good was also because this is my natural weight," Waseem admitted, while his previous world title bouts included International Boxing Federation fights against Sunny Edwards in 2022, and Moruti Mthalane in 2018 has been in the flyweight division. With his result, a decision given by judges who were in Pakistan from Germany, Spain, France, Venezuela, and Panama, Waseem registered his 10th knockout win of his professional career. "Orono was so good in the first three rounds, and he was just dominating, I felt," Waseem told this correspondent on Monday Morning, after soaking in the historic victory over the weekend. "My opponent was too good, but then I felt I started to get more ground in the fourth round, and by the sixth round, I could intuitively tell that he was wearing out. By the time I returned to my corner after the sixth round, my coach Danny Vaughn said that Orono looks like he wants to get out of the fight. So I capitalised on it. I was sure that he would not last beyond the ninth or tenth round with the way he was moving." The show went on despite the India-Pakistan conflict. The event took place, featuring boxers and officials from around 13 countries on Saturday night. The constant preparations for it began in January. "I'm feeling very good, I could not have done this without the help of DHA Quetta, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has been very kind, and so was the Corps Commander for Quetta, Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan. "The CM Balochistan sent his private jet to make sure that the boxers get to Quetta safely, on Friday, when there were news of war between India and Pakistan everywhere, our boxers were stuck in Dubai for two days and then they managed to land in Pakistan, but from Islamabad they were brought through private plane," he disclosed. The event saw eight bouts, including the WBA Asia South Super Lightweight title won by Tarik Zaina. Alex Dilmaghani won the WBA Asia Middle-East Lightweight title. Jesus Saracho won the bout for the WBA Asia Middle-East Welterweight title. Two women's boxing title bouts also took place. The 2010 World Combat Games gold medallist and the 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Waseem, feels that the challenges to hold the event did not deter him from giving his best in the ring. "I have had 300 amateur bouts and now in my professional career I have won my 14th fight, so I am used to facing difficulties and I don't get nervous or lose my focus," said the resilient pugilist who has seen it all from troubles with Pakistan Boxing Federation, to lack of sponsorships, bad managements, to constant visa issues in the past. 'It meant everything' The success of the event was more personal for Waseem. "I trained in Liverpool for two months, but the day I was leaving for my training, my wife gave birth to our daughter, and that was the hardest thing for me to be away from my newborn, but I had to train," he explained. "I got to experience my daughter for the first time since her birth on May 3, when I returned to Pakistan. "Boxing can be so lonely. But I am glad I won this world title, and I feel my daughter is very lucky for me. My wife and kids couldn't be there because of the complete airspace shutdown. But my parents, my siblings, and my relatives saw me win the world title at home, among my people of Quetta, Balochistan, and that felt like a dream." He thanked American matchmaker Roberto A Diaz and Chris Glover, who helped bring the international event to Pakistan.
