Pakistani-origin British boxer Amir Khan believes Pakistan’s boxing future looks bright and says the country will produce a global champion like Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson.

 

Speaking at the Jinnah Sports Complex in Lahore during the International Boxing Championship on Saturday, Khan said, “Pakistan has tremendous talent. One day, a champion like Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson will emerge from here.”

 

In the main event, British boxer James Metcalf won the WBA Asia Gold Middleweight title after knocking out Julio de Jesus of the Dominican Republic in the third round.

 

Argentina’s Alberto Palmetta claimed the WBA Asia South Welterweight title after knocking out Filipino fighter Jopher Montano in the sixth round.

 

Khan praised the event’s organisation and atmosphere. “It feels great to be in Lahore. Boxers from 15 countries competed here. The fans, the environment, the security, everything was excellent,” he said.

 

He added that the championship would help promote sports in Pakistan. “This event will boost sports in the country. The hosting was impressive, and it will also support tourism.”

 

Khan also thanked the Pakistan Army for facilitating the championship. “The fights we saw were outstanding. I am grateful to the Pakistan Army for organising such a great event and for ensuring top-level security for all international boxers and guests.”

 

Amir Khan is a former unified light-welterweight world champion. He won the WBA title in 2009 and added the IBF belt in 2011 after defeating Zab Judah. 

 

Khan first rose to fame when he won a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics at the age of 17, making him Britain’s youngest Olympic boxing medallist in more than 30 years. 

 

He retired in 2022 with major career victories that include wins over Marcos Maidana, Zab Judah, Paulie Malignaggi, and Andriy Kotelnik.