Khan insists 'I'm still an amateur'
Amir Khan today insisted he is happy to box as an amateur as speculation mounts that the Olympic silver medallist will soon move into the professional ranks.
The 18-year-old has pulled out of Saturday’s ABA Championship quarter-finals at the Ocean Room in Gorleston, ostensibly after a row over the allocation of tickets.
Khan told Sky Sports News: “Am I turning professional? Not that I know. Asif (Vali, his manager) and my dad are talking to people but nothing has been said. I’m still amateur and I’m looking forward to staying amateur and boxing.”
Vali confirmed the ABA had been in touch to increase the allocation to Khan's supporters but insisted it came too late.
Vali added: “Last night the ABA did phone me to say ‘these are the ticket allocations – now are you going to box?’ But it’s not as easy as that. We’ve told the press that we’re pulling out and then they expect Amir to go back and fight on that day, I don’t think that’s fair.
“The pressure was put on me last night. I was told ‘if you don’t do this, I’ll make sure the ABA comes up smelling of roses because then it’s your fault’. That’s not fair.”
Professional promoter Frank Warren has long courted Khan and admitted today he was in on-going negotiations with the young fighter’s team.
