Khan Offered Inducement to Stay Amateur

Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan has been offered an annual stipend of £70,000 by the Amateur Boxing Association to focus on the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and reject any professional overtures. Khan is expected to make his decision by the end of the week, and the ABA's offer has been...
Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan has been offered an annual stipend of £70,000 by the Amateur Boxing Association to focus on the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and reject any professional overtures.

Khan is expected to make his decision by the end of the week, and the ABA's offer has been supported by Sport England in a clear signal that they are concerned the 17-year-old is seriously considering turning professional.

Khan's agent Asif Vali confirmed the offer had been made but added that further talks were necessary before a decision is made.

"Myself, Amir's family and Amir will sit down and discuss what to do next," Vali said. "Hopefully by the end of next week.

"We received an offer in writing (from the ABA) on Friday evening. But we need to clarify a few things about the offer which requires meeting with the ABA. The ABA has given us seven to 10 days to respond."

Vali will continue to hold discussions with professional promoters while negotiating with the ABA.

© Guardian News & Media 2008
Published: 9/27/2004
 
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