Germany’s Manuel Charr (C) celebrates after winning the WBA world heavyweight boxing title in a bout against Russia’s Alexander Ustinov. Guido Kirchner / dpa / AFPManuel Charr had been touted as the man who ended Germany’s 85-year wait for a world heavyweight champion, but as it turned out, he is not a German citizen.
After the 33-year-old’s triumph against Alexander Ustinov landed him the vacant WBA world title on Saturday, questions have been raised about his nationality.
The Beirut-born son of a Syrian finally ended the speculation himself, admitting late Wednesday that he does not hold a German passport.
“I want to apologise to the German people,” he told the Koelner Express, blaming his lawyers for the delay in obtaining German nationality.
“I have been relying on the work and advice of my lawyers, who were working on the process,” he explained.
In a statement on Thursday, Charr said: “This time, I will deal with the passport application myself and not leave it to other people.
Heavyweight Champion Charr Admits He’s Not German
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