AMIR KHAN has been named the British Fighter of the Year for his achievements from September 1 2010 to August 31 2011. In that time, the WBA light-welterweight boss hung tough in a barnburner to trump Argentina?s Marcos Maidana in Las Vegas, eased past Paul McCloskey in Manchester before returning to Sin City to add the IBF belt to his waist by dominating an outgunned Zab Judah.
?It means a lot to me that I’m recognised in Britain because it’s the country where I was born and am proud to represent wherever and whenever I fight,? said Amir.
?I’m pleased that my achievements are being acknowledged and want to continue to try and do British boxing proud. We have a lot of talented fighters coming through the ranks and if I play a small part in helping to get boxing back into the mainstream again then that makes me proud.?
Amir is preparing for his December 10 battle with Lamont Peterson so couldn?t be at Hammersmith to pick up his award. The importance of his honour is not lost on the 24-year-old from Bolton, though.
?It?s important to me because I’m being recognised by people who work in and know the sport,? he said. ?I was in against some guys who have had a great twelve months like Ricky Burns, Carl Froch and Nathan Cleverly so it shows the competition there was for the award which makes winning it even more special. Picking up these types of awards gives me the motivation and springboard to go on and achieve even more in my career.?
