Blast

Amir Khan at the age of 19 can sell out arenas and seems to have the pulling power to attract boxing fans from all over the world.

The Bolton local won his 9th professional fight in less than two minutes, knocking down his toughest opponent yet three times in round one.

So has his rise to fame influence local kids to step in the ring ?

Local Boxing coach Imran Naeem of Natural Progression Gym in Stockton believes Khan's rise to fame has been a positive inspiration on local kids.

"I definatly think that Amir Khan's rise to boxing stardom has given a positive focus to the youth in this country and the local area, especially the age group ranging between 7-14. A positive role model in a popular sport has always captured the imagination of young people."

"You only have to look at professional footballers, cricketers and any other sport you care to mention, whether they reach their goals or captain their side they will always talk about their ambition to do what there sporting hero had done previously." said Boxing coach Imran Naeem.

So why are local kids so captured by the youngster from Bolton ?

"With a talent like Khan, in a sport as physically demanding as boxing, while taking his background and origin into consideration; it is easy to see how people have taken to him in the early stages of a potentially fantastic career. Whether he can keep his feet on the ground remains to be seen."

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