About Amir Khan

About Me

I am Amir Iqbal Khan (born 8 December 1986) and I am a British professional boxer. A former unified light-welterweight world champion, having held the WBA (later Super) title from 2009 to 2012, and the IBF title in 2011. At a regional level, I held the Commonwealth lightweight title from 2007 to 2008. I also held the WBC Silver welterweight title from 2014 to 2016, and once challenged for a middleweight world title in 2016.

As an amateur I won a silver medal in the lightweight division at the 2004 Olympics, becoming, at the age of 17, Britain’s youngest boxing Olympic medallist. I am also one of the youngest ever British professional world champions, winning the WBA title at the age of 22. In 2007, when I was then named ESPN prospect of the year. In July 2011, the International Business Times ranked me as the world’s 8th best active boxer.

My Family

Good humour and hugs all round… is what you will find at the Khan household.
My family has always been incredibly supportive.They have always embraced me and have always supported my boxing career.
My father’s influence during my early life was key and he committed a lot of his time helping me grow whilst my mother’s prayers and good discipline nurtured me.

I cherish family moments and if I am not training, I can be found spending time with my beautiful wife, Faryal and the apple of my eyes my two daughter’s Lamaisah and Alayna.
My wife has stood by me through it all and is a calming and influential presence in my life.
I strive to be a doting father and supportive husband and all I do, is for my two daughter’s and my family.

Inspiration

For me, inspiration comes from the past heroes of sport; boxing has had so many of them, all known for their individual personalities. My biggest inspiration comes from a man who has inspired the world over. No matter where you go his name is not far from any conversation. It is not only his achievements in sports that people are inspired by, but also the things he did outside his sport.

He has given back to humanity and as he once said… Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” You can probably guess that I am talking about Muhammad Ali. I had the pleasure of meeting him on a couple of occasions and on both times the experience he’s been so humbling.A great man and without a doubt the G.O.A.T.

Beliefs

It’s all good and well having support and inspiration around you but if you don’t believe or have faith you will struggle to see your goals through.
The belief in me to achieve has come from my religious beliefs. I am a proud Muslim and more and more am trying to practice my religion. I have been blessed to have performed the pilgrimage on a couple occasions which have been some of the best times of my life.

In recent years Islam has been in the spotlight for all the things not even related to the religion. Like the 1 billion Muslims around the world it has taught me respect, humility and given me a purpose in life.

Career

I first got introduced to the boxing gym when I was 8 years old. I spent my time always looking forward to the next class. I fought my first 3 fights in Bolton boxing club and went on to fight for Bury Boxing club with Mick Jelly as my coach. By the time I was 16 I had won three schoolboy championships, three junior ABA championships, gold in the junior Olympics and finally won gold at the European student championships in Lithuania.

My highlight in the amateur ranks was being allowed to fight for England in the 2004 Athens Olympics after coming first in the AIBA European Olympic qualifying tournament in Bulgaria. I went on to win a silver medal losing out on gold to Mario Kindelan. I decided to turn professional after the Athens Olympics. Before I did that I had a score to settle with Mario Kindelan. This was to be my final amateur fight – I won all three rounds by unanimous decision. Since turning pro I have been 2 times world champion, moved from lightweight to welterweight and now up to middleweight.

Team

The fight is just the tip of the iceberg, what everyone sees and knows off.
The real work is done behind the scenes by all my team and staff from the formalities of signing a fighter, agreeing terms to nutritionist and coaches. I have built a team that is supportive of my talents, that help me improve my game and are always on hand to assist me no matter what the situation.

Supporters

Boxing is a single-man sport in the sense that once the bell rings it’s just you and your opponent.
The support you get is what helps you through the training camp early morning starts and late night finishes.
My supporters have been with me on the rollercoaster ride from the Athens Olympics in 2004 to all my professional fights.

I am always receiving messages of support from around the world and on fight night the amount of fans that travel to cheer me on is incredible. I wanted to create something on my site which bought us closer so check out the fan page.
Thank you all for your support and I hope I do you proud.