Amir flies home for Battle of the Badges (From Leigh Journal)

Amir flies home for Battle of the Badges

8:17am Thursday 2nd July 2009 in Video

AMIR Khan is preparing to jet back to Bolton from his Los Angeles training camp to watch local police and firefighters in a sell-out charity boxing challenge.

Amir is currently preparing for his first world title fight against Ukrainian WBA light-welterweight champion Andreas Kotelnik in Manchester on July 18.

But he will be back home on Saturday so he can watch the knockout night of entertainment at the Reebok Stadium.

The 28 volunteers have been put through a four-month training regime designed by the Olympic hero’s team of coaches at his Gloves community centre and gym.

Amir said: “I didn’t want to miss this charity night and have managed to schedule my return to the UK to be back in time for the show. I would like to say a special well done to our staff at the centre, who I know have taken on this work on top of their normal responsibilities and will be working hard on the night to make sure everything goes well.

“I’ve kept a close eye on preparations for the show and it has been a pleasure to pass on some of the skills I have learnt over the years to some of the officers, whose commitment and dedication has been fantastic.”

Det Sgt Lee Shaw, who is the captain for the police team, said: “We have all come a long way since we started training back in February, when it’s fair to say some of the fighters would have been lucky to last half a round, never mind three.”

Team captain for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Crew Commander Simon Wood, added: “As an ex-marine I’ve always thought my fitness levels were high, but the intensive training we have gone through over the last few months has been harder than I could have imagined.

“We’re all excited and nervous about the big night and can’t wait to step into that ring in front of a large audience.”

Cash raised from the event will go to the Firefighters Charity. Hero fire officer Steve Morris, who received 50 per cent burns attempting to rescue a family from a fire at their home in Great Lever last year, will be there to support his colleagues.

Mr Wood said: “Knowing that Steve Morris will be there to cheer us on makes all the hard work worthwhile and I just hope we can raise a lot of money for charity.”

Cash will also go to the Mayor of Bolton’s charities — Bolton Destitute Animal Centre, Diabetes North West and the Thoracic Medicine Unit at Royal Bolton Hospital.

The ‘Battle of the Badges’ will take place under full Amateur Boxing Association rules and fighters will be spurred on by more than 1,500 spectators.