It can be difficult to talk about Amir Khan (27-3, 19KOs) in neutral terms, especially being of the same ethnic background. As a slightly more serious boxing fan than most, I expected great things from the man hailed in my community as a fantastic role model, “Finally!” Parents exclaimed around the country and indeed, possibly in South-Asian neighbourhoods around the world, “our boys and girls have someone to look up to!”
This was true; those who understand why Joe Louis was so celebrated for beating Max Schmeling and its wider context in that era noticed the uptake of the sport in our community and across the wider populace in general; culminating in a triumphant return for British boxing at the London 2012 Olympics. Khan was the sole representative for the Union Jack in Athens in 2004 and his silver medal, if one can look objectively, created a revitalized interest at amateur level.