Amir, Tyson to visit Pakistan

Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and current WBA and IBF lightwelterweight champion Amir Khan, who will be defending his titles later this month, would attend the upcoming 2nd Benazir Bhutto Shaheed (BBS) International Boxing Tournament starting from December 20 at Islamabad’s Sports Complex.
Pakistan Boxing Federation president Doda Khan Bhutto informed in a press conference that Amir is sure to come while Tyson have taken the dates of the event and the likely chances is that he may come for the opening or closing ceremony of the second edition of the championship.
PBF secretary Mohammad Akram Khan, PBF associate secretary and secretary Punjab Boxing Association Yousuf Butt, Shaheer Bokhari of LXG marketing and Umer Toor of Nedia Guru were also present on the occasion along with Goher of music band JAL, who would be singing the theme song of the event involving local and foreign boxers.
Giving details of the event Bhutto said that the PBF has sent invitations to over 200 countries and around 50 are expected to participate. “Right now 25 countries have confirmed participation and another dozen have requested for a return tickets for two of their boxers and an officials.
“We are trying to arrange funds for their visit to Pakistan and hopefully it would be arranged,” he maintained.
He further informed that about 50 to 60 million rupees would be required to hold the championship and there is no support from the government or either the multinationals.
“Had there been good quality sponsors the PBF would have been holding several international events,” he added.
He further stated that even during the holding of the 2010 event government finances came after the event was over and even this time round if there were no government or multinational support the PBF will sure hold the tournament on the given dates. The 10 day tournament will begin from December 20 till 30. The event will kick off with performance from JAL, the official band of the event and there will also be cultural dances and march past of the participating teams.
“Asian and African countries have confirmed their entries while boxers of Sri Lanka, Kenya and Nepal are already in Islamabad training for the tournament. But we have also sent a request to Poland, France and some other European countries,” he said.
The winner will be given $5000 with the losing finalist getting $ 2500 and the bronze winners receive $ 1000.
Top security arrangements are to be finalized in a meeting with the officials and maximum protection will be given to the boxers and other sports dignities planned to visit Islamabad during the event.