Post by Salem6 on May 15, 2005 8:39:39 GMT
Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan has signed a three-year professional deal with boxing promoter Frank Warren.
Khan ended his amateur career after Saturday's superb win over Mario Kindelan, the Cuban legend who beat him to the gold medal in Athens.
The 18-year-old Englishman will make his pro debut on the undercard of the British heavyweight title bout between Danny Williams and Matt Skelton.
"Boxing is a short career and I've got to take on new challenges," he said.
Khan, who has set his sights on becoming a professional world champion by the age of 21, paid tribute to the amateur game.
"I want to thank [Great Britain coach] Terry Edwards, my old coach Mick Jelly and all the amateur boxers," he said.
The Bolton boxer wants to become Britain's youngest-ever world title holder, eclipsing the mark of Prince Naseem Hamed, who was 21 when he beat Steve Robinson to gain the WBO featherweight title.
"Naz was a great boxer and to beat his record would be great," said Khan.
"I would need a couple of easy fights because it would be like starting from the beginning.
"But then I want tough fights because I want to beat the record. I want to go straight in at the deep end and aim for that world title."
Warren confirmed that he had lined up a pro debut for Khan on the undercard of Skelton v Williams at London's ExCel Arena in July.
"I will promote him and manage him as of now," he said.
"Amir beat the best amateur fighter in the world and never looked like he was in any danger. What else can you do?
"He can be a world champion by 21, but it is not a forgone conclusion."
British boxing legend Nigel Benn - at ringside for the fight - said Khan had a good chance to succeed in the pros.
"Warren will get Khan the right fights and look after him and I think he has a great team behind him," said Benn.
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/4548149.stm