25.04.05 – Promoter Frank Warren is delighted to announce that Amir Khan will face Olympic Champion Mario Kindelan on Saturday 14 May at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton. Khan was scheduled to meet Kindelan on April 30 but the Cuban was unable to make the date due to commitments for other fights but maintained he would return to England to fight the youngster in a rematch of their Olympic final last year in Athens..
After further negotiations between Warren, the Cuban Federation and ABA England, a deal was thrashed out that will see Kindelan arrive on these shores heading a Cuban four-man team.
Warren said, “It has been hard work but I am delighted that everything is resolved and that the fight is now confirmed for Saturday 14 May,”
“This is the biggest amateur fight out there featuring the two best boxers in the world and Amir can now fully focus on the big test he has ahead.”
Khan, the Olympic Silver medallist, said, “I am very pleased that the fight is on the 14 May and that Frank Warren and the ABA have put a lot of time and effort to put it together,”
“I appreciate and respect the fact that he is coming over to England to fight me and I’m looking forward to boxing him again,”
“I feel very strong and confident and I am sure I can reverse the decision this time.”
The Amateur Boxing Association of England said, “ABA England are delighted to have successfully negotiated for Amir Khan to box Mario Kindelan at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday 14 May 2005,”
“This major event for amateur boxing and boxing in general is breaking new ground by being televised live by ITV,”
“Frank Warren and Sports Network have found and negotiated this ground breaking ITV deal and their help in making the contest and whole event possible is a immeasurable and we thank them,”
“Funds raised from the event will go to four deserving charities all chosen by Amir Khan.”
Jim Smart, Chairman of ABA England, said, “A special occasion, a special event and an extra special young athlete boxing an Olympic legend, deserving to be the first of what will be many benefits coming from the ABA working with professional boxing in general and Sports Network in particular.”
Paul King, ABA Development Officer, said, “Assisting Amir Khan, an outstanding young boxer, to relive his Olympic odyssey in his hometown is an ABA and personal pleasure.”
Keith Walters, ABA Director and Chairman of England selectors, said, “Seeing Amir get his wish fulfilled in what will be a spectacular and live TV event is just reward for all the hard work the ABA, Frank Warren and Sports Network have put into advancing the cause of English amateur boxing,”
“It is fitting that this is the first of a whole series of events the ABA have planned with Frank Warren and Sports Network,”