By Terence Dooley

Bolton’s Amir Khan has predicted that a young amateur boxer called will both follow in his footsteps as well as carrying a famous boxing name with pride.  Khan has tabbed Muhammad Ali, an 18-year-old Bury-based amateur, for big things down the line, telling The Bolton News that he sees something of himself in the youngster, who boxes out of the same Bury ABA gym that Khan used to represent.

Ali is representing the U.K. at the 2015 European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan.  Khan believes it will be the first of many successful steps for the amateur, who is trained by Mick Jelly, Khan’s former amateur coach.

“Muhammad has really caught my eye already—he's got a lot of talent and has already accomplished so much at a young age,” he said when discussing Ali.  “They keep producing great amateurs in this country and Muhammad could be the latest who comes through in time to go to (the Olympics in) Rio and be a big success.”

“Every day I train I see Amir looking down from all the posters in the gym and he's all over the newspapers so he is definitely an inspiration for me,” stated Ali, who notched a decision win over Alexandr Riscan of Moldova earlier today to get his tournament underway.

“When I look at what he achieved at such a young age I see no reason why I can't do the same thing and so far I have not had a problem with the step up to senior level.  Going to the Youth Olympics has helped prepare me for Baku but it will be a great experience.  Rio is definitely a realistic goal for me and doing well in Baku will only be the start.”

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