Lewis, one of the most notorious figures in modern boxing, was banned from the sport, put on trial, and charged with assault and possession of a weapon – his fighter’s fists – after removing an ounce of padding from his fighter’s gloves in June 1983. Lewis was sentenced to six years in prison in 1986, and released in 1990.
Asif Vali, Khan’s business manager, yesterday made formal inquiries with the Nevada boxing authorities. “We’ve heard that this man has been around their camp. We are talking to the Nevada State Athletic Commission to make sure that if this is true he is not involved. He has no licence and if he turns up on Saturday night he will not be allowed anywhere near the locker room or Judah’s corner. We have to protect Amir.”
Khan stands at a major crossroads in his career, and has become the standard bearer for British boxing on the world scene in the wake of David Haye’s defeat to Wladimir Klitschko at heavyweight, and Ricky Hatton’s retirement.
Ironically, however, Khan has chosen to build his career in the United States, exiled from Sky Sports in the UK after an acrimonious split with the broadcasters only days before his last contest against Paul McCloskey in Manchester in April.
Khan’s burgeoning career now lies in the hands of Home Box Office, the US cable giants, with Golden Boy Promotions, Khan’s US promoters, underwriting a fighter they believe has the prospects to reach the top rung of the sport.
Asif Vali, Khan’s business manager, yesterday made formal inquiries with the Nevada boxing authorities. “We’ve heard that this man has been around their camp. We are talking to the Nevada State Athletic Commission to make sure that if this is true he is not involved. He has no licence and if he turns up on Saturday night he will not be allowed anywhere near the locker room or Judah’s corner. We have to protect Amir.”
Khan stands at a major crossroads in his career, and has become the standard bearer for British boxing on the world scene in the wake of David Haye’s defeat to Wladimir Klitschko at heavyweight, and Ricky Hatton’s retirement.
Ironically, however, Khan has chosen to build his career in the United States, exiled from Sky Sports in the UK after an acrimonious split with the broadcasters only days before his last contest against Paul McCloskey in Manchester in April.
Khan’s burgeoning career now lies in the hands of Home Box Office, the US cable giants, with Golden Boy Promotions, Khan’s US promoters, underwriting a fighter they believe has the prospects to reach the top rung of the sport.
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