I was about eight-years-old when I first got into boxing.

I was a really hyperactive kid and my dad says I was a born fighter.

I got bored easily and was always fighting with other kids at school.

So my dad took me to Haliwell Boxing Club, which was just round the corner from where we lived in Bolton.

From there I moved on to Bury Amateur Boxing Club.

I was alright at most sports at school - especially football, cricket, rugby and athletics - though I didn't really focus on any of them.

Boxing came fairly naturally to me but I have had great coaching from Mick Jelley at Bury.

By the age of 11 I was boxing competitively.

It has changed my life and kept me focussed.

All my energies are used up at the gym.

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Introduction

Early start

Going for gold

Countdown

Best & worst

Amir's factfile

Name: Amir Khan Date of Birth: 8 December 1986 Born: England Height: 1.78m Weight: 60kg Coach: Mick Jelley Hero: Muhammad Ali Career highlights: Three English schools titles; three Junior ABA titles; gold, 2003 Junior Olympics; gold, 2004 European Championships; gold, 2004 World Junior Championships in South Korea.

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