Britain’s best – now Sahil Khan targets Europe
Sahil Khan has his sights firmly fixed on conquering the continent after landing a fifth national title.
The Dudley boxer, who fights for Merridale Boxing Club in Wolverhampton, came out on top in the NABGC (National Amateur Boys and Girls Championship) to claim yet more success.
It is the fifth national title for the 16-year-old, who only started boxing four years ago.
Khan stopped Patrick Hastie, of Trowbridge ABC in Wiltshire, in the third round. His opponent was a year older than the Black Country starlet, but Khan powered to another impressive victory.
He made it through four fights on unanimous decisions to reach the Warrington showpiece final, held at Cresta Court Hotel, where he won the top prize for the third successive year.
The Dudley College student, ranked No.1 in England and Great Britain in his weight category, won gold at the prestigious Haringey Cup earlier this year and also has a Junior Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) title.
Now Khan, who turns 17 this month, is looking to the Youth ABA Championships, held in Coventry in January.
Success there should book the Level 3 Sport student a spot at next year’s European Youth Championships in March and April.
Dad Ifraz insisted the talented youngster is focused on winning in the new year to secure his place.
“Sahil’s target is to win everything so there is no decision to be made on whether he goes,” Ifraz said.
“He’s been in the England set up two years now and regularly trains in the camps and barracks. England speak to me on a regular basis and they have a lot of stuff planned for Sahil.
“Winning the Youth ABAs would be massive for him having only boxed for four years.
“His win was not a shock for us because he is building experience now.
“He’s been out to Ukraine with England and also competed in an international tournament in Germany.”
Khan is coached by Khad Khan, Mick Smith and Paul Smith at Merridale.
Ifraz reserved praise for Dudley College, where his son began studying in September. He added: “The college have been very supportive in his boxing.”
Next summer’s World Championships, held in June and July, are also on Khan’s radar.
