Amir Khan always had the skill and speed to become a future star, as apparent in a recent video clip of the former super-lightweight king from 2002.
Khan dominated much-taller fighters in his division two years before his amazing silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Just 15 years old, he battered his opponent on his way to winning the England Boxing School Championship Finals in mere seconds.
Khan won a gold medal at the AAU Junior Olympic Games a year later. Adding the European Student Championships and the World Junior Championships in 2004.
He then excelled in claiming the Strandja Cup to qualify for the Olympics in Athens. On the way to Greece, Khan scored a standout win over future world welterweight title-holder and Floyd Mayweather opponent Victor Ortíz. Khan stopped ‘Vicious’ Victor in the second round.
The Bolton man would then go on to the most outstanding amateur platform in the sport. Khan overcame Marios Kaperonis, Dimitar Shtilianov, Jong Sub Baik, and Serik Yeleuov to secure the silver medal.
Mario Kindelán, the much more experienced of the two, took the top spot on the podium.
Remaining pro initially into 2005, Khan was inundated with lucrative offers to enter the paid ranks. After he beat Craig Watson on points in the ABA Championships, it was time for Khan to leave the vest behind.
Setting up a final amateur bout against his Olympic conqueror, Kindelan, Khan gained revenge with a 19–13 triumph live on terrestrial TV at the Reebok Stadium.
That summer, Khan made his professional debut as 4.4m viewers watched on ITV. A star truly was born.
FUTURE
It’s hard to believe it’s now 15 years later. Khan is coming to the end of his career.
Speaking to WBN recently, Khan revealed his plan exclusively by saying: “I’m not thinking about retirement yet.
“I’ve probably got one or two fights left. All is well. Maybe it could have been more, but the current situation has stopped everyone from fighting.”
