The untold story of Muhammad Waseem: The boxing pride of Pakistan
2 min read
Waseem being just a random citizen made waves in the international arena of boxing when he challenged for the IBF flyweight title in 2018. But, his path to success was full of struggle and scuffle.
Born to a family of civil servant in Quetta, Pakistan, Muhammad “Falcon” Waseem is a Pakistani professional boxer, known for his quick and swift style of boxing.
Muhammad Waseem has won many National Competitions and remained undefeated for more than 7 consecutive years. Muhammad Waseem has been nominated to represent Pakistan at the World Series Boxing but got denied by the Pakistan Boxing Federation.
In 2012, Muhammad Waseem was chosen to be International Boxing Association (AIBA) professional, however his participation failed to be confirmed. While addressing media he said, “I don’t know what went wrong. The federation was dealing with the matter and then nothing evolved out of it, which is really disappointing. I wanted to take on the best boxers of the world but my dream was shattered”.
His amateur career spreads on a spam of 5 years from 2009 to 2014. The Falcon represented Pakistan at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India winning a bronze medal. He was also the winner of the gold medal in 2010 World Combat Games held in Beijing. Muhammad Waseem won the silver medal in 11th South Asian Games. He was the only member of Pakistan Boxing team who qualified for the final for Flyweight category in Commonwealth games, held in Glasgow in 2014. He turned professional in June 2015 and signed the contract with Korean Promoter Andy Kim at AK Promotion.
While appreciating Muhammad Waseem’s achievement, Pakistan’s Chief of the Army Staff, Qamar Javed Bajwa, said “talent like Muhammad Waseem is our pride. He further added that “We are here to support youngsters having potential and positive energy like boxer Muhammad Waseem”.
In 2019, Muhammad Waseem returned home from Dubai after winning bout against Mexican Ganigan Lopez. He was received by the Inter Provincial Coordination Minister, who said “Muhammad Waseem is our pride. We will continue to support genuine talent like Waseem, who is made in Pakistan.” She further added “I am sure in the next fights too. Waseem will carry on with same passion and win fights and ultimately world titles for Pakistan”.
Muhammad Waseem while talking to media about his future plans, he said “I will continue to work harder and acquire more skills for the sake of my country. I will try my best to promote boxing in Pakistan. I want young boxers to keep on working hard. Soon, I will conduct a boxing league in Pakistan. I request the Government to provide platform to youth so that they may earn laurels for the country at international level”.
Muhammad Waseem has 11 professional fights under his belt. He won 10 out of them. Muhammad Waseem is the example of talent, patience and hard work.
