Even though he failed to win the Gold Medal at the 2004 Olympics, Amir Khan still achieved more than just a Silver Medal. He caught the public eye and once again brought British boxing back into the spotlight along with football and other such sports. Since turning professional, he has continued to catch the public's attention through mainstream TV and more so with each fight. Khan already seems to be the face of British boxing
despite having only fought four times and sharing the spotlight with other big name fighters such as double world champion Ricky Hatton, world title challenger Danny Williams and former Gold Medal winner Audley Harrison.
Khan's amateur career was not followed by the general public and he only really came into the limelight when he reached the semi finals of the Olympics by delivering a dazzling knockout performance against a Korean boxer. It was after this that he was to fight "Super" Mario Kindelan in the finals. Kindelan was a seasoned amateur, widely regarded as the best in the world, and many believed that he could hold his own in professional boxing if he wished. Khan fought bravely however was defeated by the Cuban.
Immediately afterward there was the big question: should he turn pro or wait until after the next Olympics? There was only one choice, although it could only be done after he had avenged himself against his conquer. He did it in style on ITV1, beating Kindelan on points.
Since then Khan has gone onto sign with Frank Warren and get three stoppages enroute to winning all four of his contests. His next fight is his first six rounder and is against a Belarussian, Vitali Martynov on Sports Network's Nottingham show this Saturday. Although his record appears impressive at ten wins (seven early) and one loss, Martynov has yet to be tested against an opponent with the talent of Khan and should be well within the youngster's reach.
Providing all goes to plan with Martynov, Khan has himself declared that he wants to fight for one of the belts by the end of 2006 and most writers and critics will surely agree it is a reachable goal. Best of luck to Britain's new hope!
Click to read more boxing articles by James Oakley
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