A war of words has broken out between Indian boxer Pushpender Rathi and Pakistani fighter Abdullah Chandio in Dubai, a day before the boxers from the two countries face off in the BATL: Battle of Nations event at the Meydan Hotel.
The exchange began after Rathi posted a video on Instagram addressing Pakistan directly. “So, Pakistan, your dad has arrived in Dubai,” he said.
“A lot of people come to Dubai for vacation, but I’m not here to sightsee. I’m here to take on a Pakistani boxer and show the world that we Indians are second to none. On the 17th, I’m going to step into the ring against Pakistan and fight with everything I’ve got, carrying my country’s pride with me. Make sure to follow my account because you’ll be able to watch the entire fight live there. Let’s go, guys! Let’s win this and make our country proud once again. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!” he said.
Rathi’s “your dad has arrived” remark did not go down well in Pakistani boxing circles.
Chandio, who was also in Dubai at the time, was not Rathi’s scheduled opponent, but he sought Rathi out in person after seeing the video, wanting to confront him over the comment.
Chandio also posted his own video first, referring to Rathi’s actual opponent. He said that his opponent had not even shown up because his visa had not come through, adding that he himself was present and wanted to see what Rathi had to say.
When the two met face to face, Rathi repeatedly told Chandio, “Hey brother, we are neighbours after all.” Chandio replied, “We are neighbours, but don’t panic.”
In a second clip from the same meeting, Chandio challenged Rathi directly, telling him to fight him if he had the courage. Rathi dismissed the challenge, telling Chandio he was talking nonsense. Chandio shot back, “You’re being disrespectful. I’ll slap you twice,” warning Rathi not to speak to him that way.
Rathi is scheduled to fight Pakistani boxer Ali Hussaini on Friday, July 17, as part of the Battle of Nations card, an India versus Pakistan boxing event being held at Dubai’s Meydan Hotel. Another bout on the same card will see Pakistan’s Ali Abbas Jeddy face India’s Shubham Yadav.
There have been reports suggesting that some Pakistani boxers on the card have yet to receive their visas ahead of the event.
