ISLAMABAD: Secretary Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Iqbal Hussain has said that British boxer of Pakistan-origin Amir Khan is a Pakistani hero and they would be happy if he is allowed to fight under Pakistan's flag at this summer's Olympics at Rio, Brazil.
"We welcome Amir Khan's statement for fighting for Pakistan at Rio. We'll be happy if he represents Pakistan at the world's prestigious sports event," Iqbal told APP on Thursday.
The Bolton-born boxer previously fought for Great Britain in the 2004 Games in Athens, at which he won a lightweight silver medal at just 17-years-old.The International Boxing Association announced on Wednesday the decision to include professional boxers at the Olympics and Amir, who is in Pakistan these days admitted that he would love to be part of Pakistan's Olympic team.
Khan turned professional in 2009 with his most recent fight against WBC middleweight champions Saul Alvarez ending in a skull crushing right hand from his opponent in the sixth round at Las Vegas.
But Amir's loss to Alvarez seems to have done little to dampen his popularity in Pakistan.
Amir's father was born in Matore village of Kahuta Tehsil of Rawalpindi district before moving to Britain.
Iqbal said Amir was firm favourite in his father's homeland and he would be checking whether rule allow him to fight for Pakistan or not. "If rules allow it will be a huge boost for our boxing," Iqbal added.
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