Olympic Qualification & British Fighters

Loftgroov · Post by **Loftgroov** » 23 Jan 2004, 13:55

Ok, I know I've asked this before, but its a real sod trying to get information on any possible British fighters competing in Athens this year.

I gather the qualification rounds begin in February, and just wondered if we had any amateur stars who would likely/possibly qualify for the games?

Any heavyweight to follow in Audley's footsteps?

Is there another David Haye or Carl Froch to showcase British amateur talent on the world stage?

If anyone has got any names, and possibly some links to pages on the web about them I'd be very interested.

Twinkle Toes · Post by **Twinkle Toes** » 23 Jan 2004, 14:14

Amir Khan

A quick cut and paste:

TEENAGER Amir Khan is moving closer to his Olympic dream after British boxing officials agreed to consider him for this summer's Athens Games.

The Amateur Boxing Association is looking to put forward the 17-year-old Bolton College student for the European Olympic qualifiers in the spring if he convinces officials he can make the step up to senior level.

Amir is too young to box domestically at senior level under ABA rules, which require fighters to be aged at least 18.

But the Heaton lightweight boxer is old enough to box at senior international level.

ABA bosses are concerned about pitching Amir into the Olympic qualifiers -- for which he is now eligible -- without enough senior fighting experience.

But they have agreed to look at ways of getting the former Smithills School pupil into Olympic contention.

And the ABA appears to be keen to get Amir into the British team if he can prove his worth -- with one leading director describing the teenager as being more talented than former Olympic champion Audley Harrison.

Amir, who fights for Bury Amateur Boxing Club, could be taking on opponents up to twice his age in the qualifiers for the Games.

He would have to win a medal in one of the three planned qualifying competitions in order to book a place in Athens.

But his father Shajaad said: "We do understand that he would be giving away a lot in terms of age. But we would have every confidence in him, and he would have every confidence in himself."

Keith Walters, chairman of selectors for ABA (England), said: "We are seriously looking at the Amir Khan situation with regard to the Olympic qualifiers, with the boxer's safety being our first concern."

Fellow England selector Paul King, who is a director of the ABA, said: "In all the years I've been involved in amateur boxing, Amir is the most talented boxer I have seen in England colours, and that includes Audley Harrison."

Amir picked up a host of titles and awards during 2003. He is the British and European junior champion, and also won the Best Cadet Award for the most impressive young amateur at the Annual British Boxing Awards in October.

Sounds special

Loftgroov · Post by **Loftgroov** » 23 Jan 2004, 14:29

Thanks for that. He certainly sounds like someone worth keeping an eye on eh...

Loftgroov · Post by **Loftgroov** » 23 Jan 2004, 14:31

Wednesday 14 January 2004 13:35
AMIR Khan took a step nearer his Olympic dream with a performance described as "the best seen by an England boxer in the past 26 years".

The Bolton boxing sensation has his heart set on an Olympic spot in Athens later this year, and, after hearing that the ABA had relaxed the rules to allow him to compete, took a major step towards realising his ambition, by representing England in his first bouts at senior level, in the adidas Box Cup in Germany.

Not only did Amir handle the step up to the senior stage but he won all three of his bouts against German opponents, and did it in style.

He easily won two of his fights on points, but the most impressive was against Martin Dresben, ranked third lightweight in the world, who he defeated in the third round when the bout was automatically stopped because Amir was 20 points ahead.

England team manger Peter Hayes admitted he was gobsmacked by the Heaton boxer's display.

He said: "It was amazing the way he performed. I have never seen a better performance by an England boxer in 26 years.

"He has fantastic potential. He has just turned 17 but the way he dealt with such an experienced boxer was incredible.

Ulysses · Post by **Ulysses** » 23 Jan 2004, 17:37

I should imagine Stephen Burke will get the chance in one of the qualifiers, but Khan is looking very tasty indeed.
Other prospects include Paul Smith's younger brother Stephen Smith at bantamweight who recently beat the US no.1. Also at 54kilos is Nick McDonald who shouldn't be written off.
Light-heavy Tony Davies (formerly Marsden) has a shout I guess, maybe too Stephen Birch at 75, although he's been inactive.
Craig McEwan is Scotland's best hope, whilst Andy Lee is very promising for the Irish but they suffered a blow when top heavyweight Alan Reynolds was repremanded for going AWOL and may have lost his qualification chances.

Southpaw Stylist · Post by **Southpaw Stylist** » 23 Jan 2004, 17:42

Stephen Birch ain't even being sent to the qualifiers. At middleweight, it's gonna be Darren Barker and Ricardo Samms.

Ulysses · Post by **Ulysses** » 23 Jan 2004, 17:58

Southpaw Stylist wrote:Stephen Birch ain't even being sent to the qualifiers. At middleweight, it's gonna be Darren Barker and Ricardo Samms.

Scrub him off the list then, howabout Gary Barr or Neil Perkins? why would Samms go ahead of them?

Loftgroov · Post by **Loftgroov** » 23 Jan 2004, 18:19

Lickszz · Post by **Lickszz** » 23 Jan 2004, 18:38

So, how many fighter are we looking at that are going to represent GB?

What happened to the day of having a representative at every weight? :x

Southpaw Stylist · Post by **Southpaw Stylist** » 23 Jan 2004, 18:51

Ulysses wrote:
Southpaw Stylist wrote:Stephen Birch ain't even being sent to the qualifiers. At middleweight, it's gonna be Darren Barker and Ricardo Samms.
Scrub him off the list then, howabout Gary Barr or Neil Perkins? why would Samms go ahead of them?

Ask England.

Ulysses · Post by **Ulysses** » 23 Jan 2004, 18:53

Southpaw Stylist wrote:
Ulysses wrote:
Southpaw Stylist wrote:Stephen Birch ain't even being sent to the qualifiers. At middleweight, it's gonna be Darren Barker and Ricardo Samms.
Scrub him off the list then, howabout Gary Barr or Neil Perkins? why would Samms go ahead of them?
Ask England.

How do you know?

Southpaw Stylist · Post by **Southpaw Stylist** » 23 Jan 2004, 19:04

I don't know for sure who England are gonna send, but I'm pretty confident that it's gonna be out of them two. No middleweight has been sent to the European championships for olympic qualifying.

Loftgroov · Post by **Loftgroov** » 23 Jan 2004, 19:05

Sounds like Amir Khan is the only one to get excited about then, and even he isn't sure to go to qualifying for Athens.

Southpaw Stylist · Post by **Southpaw Stylist** » 23 Jan 2004, 19:06

I believe Mario Kindelan would school Khan.

Loftgroov · Post by **Loftgroov** » 23 Jan 2004, 19:13

well the kid is only 17....

you're an amateur boxer yourself right? Ever seen him box? Whats your views on his potential?

Southpaw Stylist · Post by **Southpaw Stylist** » 23 Jan 2004, 19:49

Yeh, I've seen him box and he's good.

He could be a world champion. But there are many variables as to whether this will be the case.