Refugee kick-boxer Ezatullah Kakar losing hope, pleads with MMA bodies to help resurrect his fighting career
- Once a detainee at Manus Island, the 27-year-old Pakistani says he has contacted a number of MMA organisations but received no response
- Top Asian body One Championship says Kakar is an ideal fit for its organisation but travel restrictions may be an obstacle
Refugee kick-boxer Ezatullah Kakar is pleading with the mixed martial arts world to help resurrect his career after returning to Papua New Guinea from the Philippines, his hopes of freedom fading by the day.
The 27-year-old Pakistani, who fled his home in Balochistan in 2012 after being threatened by militants, is back in refugee housing in Gordon, Port Moresby, with dozens of others who are still seeking resettlement after more than seven years in limbo.
Kakar, a former world kick-boxing silver medallist and Pakistan champion, said he was able to train and fight in the Philippines during his three-month stay but was forced to leave because of visa issues.
“I couldn’t stay in the Philippines,” said Kakar, who was formerly detained with hundreds of others at the infamous Manus Island Detention Centre. “I am nothing there. Some people supported me and gave me a place to train, they tried their best but could not do anything for me.
“I’m saying from my heart, I’m starting to lose hope. I’ve tried everything, I’ve run away from Manus, I’ve borrowed money from friends and tried to survive and in the sports field I’ve tried my best but nothing is happening.
“I’ve texted many of the fighting organisations but I’ve had no response. I hoping one of them will give me a chance.”