In a startling revelation, champion Pakistani boxer Muhammad 'Falcon' Waseem has revealed that he was forced to give 20% of his earnings in bribe to the president of the Pakistan Boxing Federation in order to continue his boxing career.

The world champion boxer from Quetta, in an interview with social media platform DSTV, said that he was appraoched by a Korean promoter, Andy Kim, who wanted to sign him up and help him go professional - provided Waseem could get the go ahead for the same from the PBF president.

When Waseem contacted the PBF president at that time, the man demanded 20% of his earnings for the go ahead.

“I contacted the president who said that if I wanted to be contracted by the Korean promoter, then I would have to enter into a contract with him [president] as well," he told DSTV.

“He told me that I would have to pay him 20% of any amount that I receive whether prize money, monthly allowance or sponsor money I had to give 20% of my earnings to him,” he said, adding that they even took his thumb impression.

Waseem said he had no other option but to pay the bribe.

"I have no other option but to pay them their cut otherwise I would have ended like many other boxers whose careers were railroaded by such individuals," he added

The two-time World Boxing Championship tilteholder in the silver flyweight category, says becoming a professional boxer is a lifelong struggle in Pakistan.

Currently signed with MTK Global, one of the biggest boxer management and promotion companies in the world, the Pakistani pugilist known for his quick feet and hands has rubbed shoulder with some of the greatest names of the sport.

He trained for three years in Las Vegas at the gym owned by the family of champion boxer Floyd Mayweather after being spotted by his uncle. He has also featured in undercard fights for superstars including Manny Pacquiao, considered to be one the greatest boxers of all time.

Waseem is also a former national team captain, who has won multiple medals for Pakistan at numerous global events.

He says not much attention is paid to sports other than cricket. "The corporations only sponsor cricket in Pakistan, which means others sports are dying out," he said in the interview.

He also pointed out that facilities offered by the national and local associations and sports bodies are inadequate.

Recalling his struggling years, he said that coaches and trainers from Pakistan sleep in air-conditioned rooms while boxers would spend the night in rooms with fans and often without electricity.

Talking about nepotism and favouritism, he said that boxing was also held hostage by such individuals.

"There are so many fighters of Pakistan from Lyari, Quetta and elsewhere whose talents have gone to waste," he said, suggesting their lack of connections led to them being sidelined.