BOXING: Britain's Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan is threatening to break his promise to compete at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 by considering offers to turn professional if the English Amateur Boxing Association does not quickly come up with a financial package to help him stay amateur.
Khan's manager, Asif Vali, said he intended to meet leading promoters, including Frank Warren. "We've been waiting for the ABA to come back with offers, and it's taking such a long time we have to think about Amir Khan's long-term security," said Vali.
Warren would relish the opportunity to guide Khan's career, and said yesterday: "Perhaps his manager is just trying to put a bit of pressure on the ABA, but I hope he is serious about turning pro, because Amir is the best young prospect I have seen for some time."
Khan is also believed to have been in contact with the former World Boxing Organisation featherweight champion Naseem Hamed, whose family had a promotional tie with Barry Hearn.
Andrew Lee, Ireland's sole boxing Olympian in Athens, is targeting the major Multi Nations event in Dundalk in November as his comeback date, writes Pat Roche.
Since injuring his right hand and losing out in the process in Athens, the St Francis (Limerick) boxer has been patiently resting the injury. Irish coach Billie Walsh said yesterday: "It is a slow process of recovery for Andrew. We are hoping he will be okay to box in Dundalk."
Meanwhile, Moate lightweight Eamonn Touhey and lightwelter JJ McDonagh of Brosna, both outstanding prospects on the IABA's high performance programme, will be in action in this weekend's Austrian Wiener Neustadt All Star tournament.
On Sunday a combined Ireland team, consisting of juniors and senior national champions, will take on a Dutch side in an away international.
IRELAND (team to face England in a junior international in Liverpool tomorrow night): Lt fly - K Fennessey (Clonmel); fly - Ross Hickey (Grangecon); Bamtam - Dacid Oliver Joyce (Athy); Feather - JJ Joyce (Athy); Light -David A Joyce (Athy); Lt Welter - Davis J Joyce (Athy); Welter - J Sweeney (Drimnagh); Middle - David Joyce (Moate); Lt Heavy - M Stokes (Crumlin).
The IABA annual convention is scheduled for October 10th at the National Stadium.
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