By Emmerson Campbell
ALBA Games bronze medalist and gold medalist at the Ronald Wilson Memorial boxing tournament, Imran ‘Magic’ Khan ended 2011 on a high note by defeating previously unbeaten Lawrence Singh in the headline amateur bout of a Pro Am card in Trinidad and Tobago last Friday night.
The Road to London Olympic Games pugilist outpointed Singh over three rounds further boosting his confidence as he prepares for the Olympic qualifiers slated for Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in May.
Khan, 19, who was selected last month to train at an Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) training camp in Cardiff, Wales from February 18 to March 10 is relishing the success and exposure he gained last year and wishes it continues this year.
Stabroek Sport caught up with Terrence Poole, Khan’s coach and the Tournament Director of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA), yesterday at the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis gym where he looked back on spoke khan’s exploits last year whilst discussing the plans for Khan this year.
“Imran made a lot of improvements last year,” said Poole.
“He had a very successful 2011, he showed great improvement locally and overseas, he had victories on the Guyana Fight night Pro Am cards and tournaments overseas.
“For 2012, we will be looking for the same success. His hard work is paying off and we plan to win every tournament from the local ones to all the overseas ones including the Olympics.”
Khan, who was also at the gym, said that he was very focused on the London Games and events leading up to it.
“I’m just focused on the Olympics but first I have to qualify at the trials so I will really be working on doing well at the trials in Brazil.
“The exposure I will have in Wales will also be good because of the similar climate in London so I’m really looking forward to that as well.”
In an invited comment, GABA’s President Steve Ninvalle said Khan was probably the best amateur boxer currently in Guyana.
“Imran is probably the best amateur boxer that we have in Guyana right now, he has great potential, he is also a disciplined individual. The exposure that he is receiving now will be good because he is one of the boxers on the Road to London, I wish him well in 2012 and I know he will do us proud” he said.
Khan who enjoyed a successful 2011 will most likely be in the race for the junior sportsman of the year award when the National Sports Commission and the media meet this year.
