Amir Khan's promoter Frank Warren has come out in defense of the young star following comments made by a deported cleric in today's Sun.

"Like any decent person in this country, I am shocked and annoyed by the comments directed at Amir," said Warren. 

"Amir is the face of modern multi-cultural Britain and, as a premier sportsman, the young generation look up to him as a role model."

"He likes to keep his religion private and personal but I know that he is extremely proud to be British and represent his country in the boxing ring and he is equally as proud of his Pakistani heritage."

He added: "Not only has he achieved great success as boxer but he has done so much outside the ring for his local community.  Only recently he set up a community centre/boxing gym to help get kids of the streets and focus their energy into sport."

"At the moment Amir is deeply focused on his forthcoming world title eliminator against Martin Kristjansen a week on Saturday and will not let anything distract him from winning that fight."