Shaukat to defend King’s Cup title in Karachi
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

KARACHI: Heavyweight boxer Shaukat Ali Chattha will defend his title in the 27th King of Thailand International Boxing Tournament, scheduled to be staged at Bangkok from April 6 to 11.

Shaukat, the sturdy pugilist from Pakistan Army, had won gold in the last edition of the King’s Cup, one of the most prestigious tournaments in international circuit. Shaukat, who is also SAF Games gold medallist, was also adjudged as the ‘prospective boxer’ of the tournament last year.

Pakistani boxers, particularly in upper weights, have been dominating the annual event in which Pakistan team participates regularly and brings laurels to the country.

Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) on Wednesday named a strong six-man squad for the King’s Cup. They include bantamweight Samiullah, featherweight Meharullah, lightweight Zahid Hussain Baloch, welterweight Dur Muhammad, heavyweight Shaukat Ali Chattha and super-heavyweight Muzaffar Iqbal.

The first four boxers are from KPT, who is the main sponsors of the Pakistan team while Muzaffar belongs to Pakistan Wapda. Four officials also accompany the team. They are coach Munir Ahmed (Army), Chef de mission, Rear Admiral Nauman Bashir (KPT), Manager Shah Naeem Zafar (KPT) and Dr S M Akber. The team is leaving for Bangkok on April 4.●