Career Timeline of Amir Khan (boxer): Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Amir Khan (boxer), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Amir Iqbal Khan is a British former professional boxer who competed from 2005 to 2022. Khan began boxing competitively at 11 and gained prominence at the 2004 Summer Olympics, winning a silver medal in the lightweight division at 17, becoming Britain's youngest boxing Olympic medalist. Turning professional in 2005, he was named ESPN prospect of the year in 2007. Khan became one of the youngest British professional world champions, winning the WBA title at 22.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2004: Summer Olympics Silver Medal

During the 2004 Summer Olympics, Amir Khan won a silver medal in the lightweight division, becoming Britain's youngest boxing Olympic medalist at the age of 17.

2004: Khan supports victims of Indian Ocean tsunami

Following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Amir Khan was among those who raised money for its victims, demonstrating his early involvement in charitable and community causes.

2004: Qualified for 2004 Summer Olympics

In 2004, Amir Khan qualified for the 2004 Summer Olympics by finishing first at the AIBA European Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. He also won a silver medal in the lightweight boxing category at the Athens Games.

July 2005: Professional Debut

In July 2005, Amir Khan made his professional debut against David Bailey, drawing 4.4 million viewers on ITV.

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2005: Avenged Olympic Losses

In 2005, Amir Khan avenged his two previous losses to Mario Kindelán by beating him in Kindelan's last amateur fight.

2005: Khan's professional debut

In 2005, Amir Khan made his professional debut, marking the beginning of a career that would span 34 wins and six losses.

July 2007: Commonwealth Lightweight Champion

On 14 July 2007, Amir Khan won his first regional title, beating Willie Limond at The O2 Arena to become Commonwealth lightweight champion. He recovered from a knockdown to win the fight.

2007: Commonwealth Lightweight Title Win

In 2007, Amir Khan won the Commonwealth lightweight title.

February 2008: Defended Commonwealth Title Against St. Clair

On 2 February 2008, Amir Khan defended his Commonwealth title against Gairy St. Clair at the ExCel Arena, London, winning via unanimous decision.

April 2008: Beat Martin Kristjansen

On 5 April 2008, Amir Khan defeated Martin Kristjansen via TKO, becoming the number one contender for the WBO lightweight title.

June 2008: Victory Over Michael Gomez

On 21 June 2008, Amir Khan defeated Michael Gomez via TKO at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham. Despite the win, Khan's promoter wanted him to gain more experience.

September 2008: Defeat by Breidis Prescott

On 6 September 2008, Amir Khan faced Breidis Prescott, losing via TKO in the first round in his Sky Box Office debut.

December 2008: Comeback Win Against Oisin Fagan

On 6 December 2008, Amir Khan scored a comeback win against Oisin Fagan with a second-round stoppage, winning the vacant WBA International lightweight title. Freddie Roach became his new coach.

2008: Khan returns to Arena Birmingham

In 2008, Amir Khan had not fought in Arena Birmingham since this year, but would return against Samuel Vargas.

March 2009: Defeated Barrera by Technical Decision

On 14 March 2009, Amir Khan defeated Marco Antonio Barrera by technical decision (TD) at the MEN Arena in Manchester, defending his WBA International lightweight title and winning the vacant WBO Inter-Continental lightweight title.

April 2009: Move to Light-Welterweight Division

On 8 April 2009, it was announced that Amir Khan would move up to the light-welterweight division to fight Andreas Kotelnik for the WBA light-welterweight title.

October 2009: Khan vs. Salita Fight Announcement

On 6 October 2009, Frank Warren confirmed that Amir Khan would defend his WBA light-welterweight title against Dmitry Salita on 5 December. The fight was hyped as a religious clash.

2009: Khan to Fight Barrera

In early 2009, it was announced that Amir Khan would fight Marco Antonio Barrera. The WBO didn't elevate the fight to a world lightweight title eliminator.

January 2010: Split with Frank Warren

On 17 January 2010, Amir Khan announced he had split with promoter Frank Warren and signed a deal with Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions.

March 2010: Confirmed Bout with Paulie Malignaggi

On 9 March 2010, Golden Boy Promotions confirmed that Amir Khan would fight Paulie Malignaggi on 15 May at Madison Square Garden in New York.

May 2010: US Debut Against Paulie Malignaggi

In May 2010, Amir Khan made his US debut against Paulie Malignaggi, retaining his WBA light-welterweight title.

August 2010: Maidana to Fight Corley

In August 2010, after failing to secure a fight with Timothy Bradley, Maidana's camp announced he would fight DeMarcus Corley on 28 August 2010. Maidana also expressed his intention to fight Khan.

2010: Fight of the Year award

In 2010, Amir Khan's defeat of Marcos Maidana was awarded Fight of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

February 2011: Khan Announces Fight Against Paul McCloskey

In February 2011, Amir Khan announced he signed a deal to defend his WBA title against Paul McCloskey, who was ranked world number 10 and unbeaten in 22 fights.

May 2011: Khan Agrees to Fight Zab Judah

In May 2011, Amir Khan agreed to fight Zab Judah in an attempt to unify the WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles in Las Vegas on July 23. Khan expressed disappointment that a fight with Bradley could not be arranged.

October 2011: Khan to Defend Titles Against Lamont Peterson

In October 2011, it was announced that Amir Khan would defend his WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles against mandatory challenger Lamont Peterson on December 10 in Washington, D.C.

2011: Nomination for BBC Sports Personality of the Year

In 2011, Amir Khan was a nominee for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award after defeating Zab Judah.

2011: IBF Light-Welterweight Title Win

In 2011, Amir Khan won the IBF light-welterweight title by defeating Zab Judah via KO in the fifth round.

May 2012: Talks Ongoing for Khan vs. Garcia Title Unification Fight

In May 2012, talks were ongoing for a potential title unification fight between Khan and Danny García, with July 7 being considered as a possible date. Khan announced he would fight Garcia on July 14, with HBO set to broadcast the fight.

December 2012: Khan Defeats Carlos Molina by TKO

In December 2012, Amir Khan defeated Carlos Molina by TKO in the tenth round, winning the WBC Silver light-welterweight title. The fight took place in the LA Sports Arena in California.

January 2013: Schaefer Attempts to Arrange Khan-Garcia Rematch

In January 2013, Richard Schaefer was engaged in efforts to arrange a rematch between Khan and Danny García, who was scheduled to defend his titles against Zab Judah on February 9. Khan anticipated a ring return on April 20, in the UK.

April 2013: Khan Defeats Julio Díaz by Unanimous Decision

In April 2013, Amir Khan defeated Julio Díaz by unanimous decision in a 143 lbs catch-weight bout at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield. Khan survived a fourth-round knockdown.

September 2013: Khan announces plans to invest in Bolton

In September 2013, Amir Khan announced his plans to invest £5 million into a wedding and banqueting hall in Washington Street, Deane, with the intention of 'making Bolton better'.

December 2013: Khan hosts fundraising dinner for Typhoon Haiyan relief

In December 2013, Amir Khan hosted a fundraising dinner to support Islamic Relief's Philippines Appeal in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, raising £83,400.

December 2013: Possible Bout Against Garcia

In December 2013, discussions were ongoing to finalize an opponent. Schaefer stated that he had communicated with Garcia's adviser, Al Haymon, who was also interested in the rematch. The plan was for Khan to fight in April, followed by a subsequent bout against Garcia in November or December 2013.

May 2014: Khan Defeats Luis Collazo

In May 2014, Amir Khan defeated Luis Collazo by unanimous decision, capturing the vacant WBA International welterweight title, the WBA title eliminator, and the vacant WBC Silver title. The fight took place on the undercard of Mayweather vs. Maidana at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

2014: Won WBA International and WBC Silver Welterweight Titles

In 2014, Amir Khan beat Luis Collazo for the WBA International and vacant WBC Silver welterweight titles.

2014: Khan Targets Devon Alexander or Robert Guerrero

In 2014, Amir Khan looked to fight one more time, targeting Devon Alexander or Robert Guerrero. It was announced that Khan would fight former two-weight world champion Alexander on December 13.

May 2015: Khan Defeats Chris Algieri by Unanimous Decision

In May 2015, Amir Khan defeated Chris Algieri by unanimous decision at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Following the victory, Khan called out Floyd Mayweather.

September 2015: Garcia Expresses Interest in Khan Rematch

In September 2015, Danny García expressed interest in a rematch with Amir Khan, who had achieved a five-fight winning streak. García was confident regarding a potential rematch.

2015: Honorary degree from the University of Bolton

In 2015, Amir Khan received an honorary degree from the University of Bolton for his contributions to sport and charity.

January 2016: Garcia No Longer Interested in Khan Rematch

In January 2016, Danny García stated he was no longer interested in a rematch with Khan. Khan criticized Kell Brook for demanding a 50-50 split.

May 2016: Khan to Fight Canelo Álvarez

In May 2016, it was announced that Amir Khan would move up two weight divisions to middleweight to fight Canelo Álvarez for the WBC, The Ring, and lineal middleweight titles on May 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

October 2016: Khan Unlikely to Return to Ring Until Summer 2017

In October 2016, Amir Khan announced that he was unlikely to return to the ring until Summer 2017. He hoped to fight in Britain against either Danny Garcia or Kell Brook, and following surgery on his right hand, he anticipated being sidelined for a year.

November 2016: Samuel Vargas fight announcement

In November 2016, Amir Khan had been on a five-fight unbeaten run.

2016: Challenged for Middleweight Titles

Between 2016 and 2019, Amir Khan challenged for the WBC, The Ring middleweight titles and the WBO welterweight title.

2016: Khan named co-owner of India's Super Fight League (SFL)

In 2016, Amir Khan was named co-owner of India's Super Fight League (SFL). He announced plans to introduce India's first team-based MMA league, with events to be held in India, the United States, Canada, and Dubai.

February 2017: Negotiations for a super fight with Manny Pacquiao

In February 2017, Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao both tweeted that a deal had been reached for a 'super fight' potentially worth £30 million, scheduled for April 23 in the United Arab Emirates. Khan was chosen as Pacquiao's next opponent following a fan poll.

2017: Khan co-founds Super Boxing League (SBL)

In 2017, Amir Khan and Bill Dosanjh founded Super Boxing League (SBL) after Super Fight League's first season. The league is organized with the support of WBC and Professional Boxing Organisation India, aiming to popularize professional boxing in India.

2017: Potential Ring Return

In 2017, Amir Khan announced that he was unlikely to return to the ring until Summer 2017. He hoped to fight in Britain against either Danny Garcia or Kell Brook, and following surgery on his right hand, he anticipated being sidelined for a year.

January 2018: Khan signs with Matchroom Sport

On January 10, 2018, Amir Khan signed a three-fight deal with Eddie Hearn at Matchroom Sport during a live press conference in London. The deal meant Khan would fight exclusively on Sky Sports, with his return bout in the UK taking place on April 21 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

September 2018: Khan defeats Vargas by unanimous decision

On September 8, 2018, Amir Khan defeated Samuel Vargas by unanimous decision. Khan knocked Vargas down twice during the fight, while Vargas also managed to knock Khan down once. The fight set a viewership record for live boxing on UK subscription television.

December 2018: Top Rank offers Khan a fight against Terence Crawford

In December 2018, Top Rank offered Amir Khan a guaranteed $5 million purse, plus a percentage of PPV revenue, to fight Terence Crawford on March 23, 2019, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

2018: Building the Amir Khan Academy in Pakistan

In 2018, Amir Khan announced plans to build the Amir Khan Academy in Islamabad to train Pakistani amateur boxers, with the goal of preparing them for the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

January 2019: Khan vs Crawford fight is made official

In January 2019, the fight between Amir Khan and Terence Crawford was officially announced. It was set to take place at Madison Square Garden on April 20 and would be broadcast live on ESPN PPV. The UK broadcasting rights were later acquired by BT Sport Box Office.

March 2019: Proposed fight against Terence Crawford

In March 2019, Amir Khan had been offered a fight by Top Rank to fight Terence Crawford on March 23, 2019.

July 2019: Won WBC International Welterweight Title

In July 2019, Amir Khan won the vacant WBC International welterweight title when he beat Billy Dib via TKO in the fourth round.

July 2019: Khan defeats Billy Dib to win WBC International welterweight title

On July 12, 2019, Amir Khan defeated Billy Dib by technical knockout in the fourth round in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to win the vacant WBC International welterweight title.

March 2021: Khan signs Tal Singh to Khan Promotions

In March 2021, Amir Khan officially announced his first-ever signing, Tal Singh, to his boxing promotion company, Khan Promotions.

February 2022: Khan defeated by Kell Brook

On February 19, 2022, Amir Khan was defeated by Kell Brook with a sixth-round technical knockout in a 149-pound catchweight bout at Manchester’s AO Arena.

May 2022: Khan announces retirement from boxing

On May 13, 2022, Amir Khan announced his retirement from boxing after 17 years as a professional. He is remembered for his legacy as a former unified light-welterweight world champion and an Olympic silver medalist.

2022: Retired from Boxing

In 2022, Amir Khan retired from professional boxing.

June 2025: Khan relaunches AK Promotions with event in Ghana

In June 2025, Amir Khan relaunched AK Promotions, partnering with Legacy Promotions and DAZN, with the first event taking place in Accra, Ghana on June 13, 2025.

October 2025: Khan promotes boxing event in Nigeria

In October 2025, Amir Khan promoted his second boxing event in Nigeria, featuring a main event between cruiserweights Brandon Glanton and Marcus Browne in Lagos.

December 2025: Khan promotes boxing event in Accra with Queensberry Promotions

In December 2025, Amir Khan promoted a boxing event in Accra in association with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions on December 21, 2025. This event included mainstream boxers Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka.