Renowned Pakistani boxer Muhammad Waseem has been denied a European visa by Denmark, preventing him from competing in a crucial world title fight scheduled for October 4 in Malta. The denial is a significant setback for Waseem, who was poised to face South African opponent Sabelo Ngebinyana for the World Boxing Federation Bantamweight Title.
Waseem, a two-time WBC silver champion, expressed his disappointment in an interview with Express News. “I have been a world champion twice, and they rejected my visa, claiming I would disappear if I went there. I travel all over the world and was training with my coaches in London. I needed to arrive in Malta early to prepare for the upcoming world title fight,” he stated.
The Danish embassy reportedly held Waseem’s passport for 40 days before returning it with a rejection notice, a delay that further jeopardized his preparation time for the fight. The refusal has raised concerns about the implications for Waseem’s career, as the bout was seen as a critical step in his journey to further world championship success.
Despite the setback, Waseem remains hopeful. “I am hopeful for success against my opponent. The world title fight is very important to me, and I do not want to miss this opportunity,” he said, urging the Pakistani government, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the army chief to intervene and help secure his visa.
Born on August 20, 1987, in Quetta, the 36-year-old boxer, known as “Falcon” in the boxing world, holds the distinction of being the only Pakistani to win the World Boxing Council’s silver champion flyweight title twice. His achievements have made him a national icon, and the current visa issue threatens to derail his aspirations of adding another world title to his name.
Waseem’s call for support underscores the importance of the upcoming fight, not just for his career but also for Pakistani sports on the global stage.
