Amir Khan surprised young boxers at his boxing academy in Bolton over the weekend.
The retired boxer from Bolton was back in his hometown to promote his new book, as well as look at the community work the Round4Round boxing project has been undertaking in the town from the Amir Khan Academy.
Amir walked into the gym as the young boxers looked shocked and happy at seeing him.
Excited faces rushed to say "hello" and Amir later watched them train, offering his own tips as well as doing some pad work with them.
He said: “When I look back at my legacy, with what I’ve done in the sport and what boxing has done for me, I never thought I’d be in this position and that is why I appreciate it more.
“That’s why I opened an academy and like to go out of my way for people.”
Round4Round, which operates from the Amir Khan Academy, was delighted to surprise the young people with Amir as they work on projects like anti-knife crime to get young people off the streets and into the gym.
The project started with just 20 people at the gym but are now seeing 450 people use the gym over seven days with nine boxing coaches putting on classes for all age groups and genders.
One director, Nasir Akram, said: “Amir came to talk to them about his new book and see the work we have been doing.
“He was absolutely over the moon with the progress we have made, and he was shocked at how fast we had achieved it.”
“Only Ash, another coach, and I, knew he was coming so we could surprise them.
“They were really happy, and they loved seeing him and being able to talk to him.”
Amir advised the young boxers to focus on their education as well as using boxing as a way to keep out of trouble.
Round4Round launched an anti-knife crime campaign earlier this year, and recently held an open day where Labour Cllr Rabiya Jiva attended to support the work.
The campaign uses sport to invite young people into the gym and is already seeing success as numbers grow.
Amir Khan is due to host a meet and greet at The Trafford Centre on September 12 for his new book, Fight For Your Life.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel