History of Amir Khan (boxer) in Timeline

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

Sections (6)

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

1976: Colin Jones at the 1976 Olympics

In 1976, Colin Jones participated in the Olympics, and prior to Amir Khan's participation in 2004, was Britain's youngest Olympic boxer.

December 1986: Amir Khan's Birth

In December 1986, Amir Iqbal Khan, later known as a successful boxer, was born. He was raised in Bolton, England.

2003: Gold at the 2003 Junior Olympics

In 2003, Amir Khan achieved gold at the Junior Olympics as part of his early boxing accomplishments.

2004: Khan raises money for Indian Ocean Tsunami victims

After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Amir Khan was among those who raised money for the victims. He has supported various charitable and community causes over the years.

2004: Silver Medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics

During the 2004 Summer Olympics, Amir Khan won a silver medal in the lightweight division. At 17, he became Britain's youngest boxing Olympic medalist.

2004: Qualified for 2004 Summer Olympics

In 2004, Amir Khan qualified for the Summer Olympics by finishing first at the AIBA European Olympic Qualifying Tournament. He also won a silver medal at the Athens Games, becoming Britain's youngest Olympic boxer since 1976.

2004: Gold at the 2004 European Student Championships

In early 2004, Amir Khan won a gold medal at the European Student Championships in Lithuania. Later in 2004 he won a world junior lightweight title in South Korea.

July 2005: Professional Debut against David Bailey in July 2005

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

2005: Amir Khan avenged losses by beating Mario Kindelan in 2005

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

2005: Turning Professional in 2005

In 2005, Amir Khan transitioned into professional boxing.

2005: Khan nominated for Laureus World Sports Awards

In 2005, Amir Khan was nominated for the Laureus World Sports Awards for Breakthrough of the Year.

2005: Rematch with Kindelan Drew Large Audience in 2005

In 2005, Amir Khan's rematch with Mario Kindelan drew an audience of 6.3 million viewers on ITV.

March 2006: Khan's car hits pedestrian in Bolton

On March 2, 2006, Amir Khan's car hit and broke the leg of a pedestrian who was using a pelican crossing in Bolton, leading to a conviction for careless driving in October 2007.

December 2006: Khan allegedly speeding on M62

On December 31, 2006, Amir Khan was accused of traveling in excess of 140 mph on the M62 motorway, which led to a court summons in October 2007.

2006: Khan's Fights Average High Viewership in 2006

By 2006, Amir Khan's fights were averaging between 6 million and 7 million viewers on ITV.

July 2007: Won Commonwealth Lightweight Champion on July 14, 2007

On July 14, 2007, Amir Khan secured the Commonwealth lightweight title by defeating Willie Limond at The O2 Arena. Khan recovered from a knockdown to win after Limond's corner stopped the fight due to a broken nose and suspected jaw damage.

September 2007: Amir Khan's Angry Young Men screened on Channel 4

In September 2007, Amir Khan's TV programme for Channel 4, Amir Khan's Angry Young Men, which consisted of three 50-minute episodes, was screened. The programme centered around troubled angry men and aimed to use the disciplines of boxing, coupled with faith and family values, to help re-focus their lives and steer them away from trouble in the future.

October 2007: Khan convicted of careless driving

In October 2007, Amir Khan was convicted of careless driving at Bolton Crown Court and given a six-month driving ban and a £1000 fine.

October 2007: Khan summoned to court for speeding on M62

In October 2007, Amir Khan was summoned to appear in court in Rochdale for allegedly traveling in excess of 140 mph on the M62 motorway on December 31, 2006.

November 2007: Khan fails to appear in court, case adjourned

In November 2007, Amir Khan failed to appear in court regarding the speeding case, and the case was adjourned.

2007: Khan named ESPN prospect of the year

In 2007, Amir Khan was named ESPN prospect of the year.

2007: Won Commonwealth Lightweight Title

In 2007, Khan won the Commonwealth lightweight title.

January 2008: Khan fined and banned for speeding

In January 2008, Amir Khan was fined £1000 and banned for 42 days for the speeding offence that occurred on December 31, 2006.

February 2008: Khan vs. St. Clair in February 2008

In February 2008, Amir Khan was originally scheduled to fight Martin Kristjansen, but due to Kristjansen's illness, Khan instead defended his Commonwealth title against Gairy St. Clair. Khan won via unanimous decision, marking his first fight to last all twelve rounds.

April 2008: Khan Beats Kristjansen in April 2008

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

June 2008: Khan vs Gomez

On June 21, 2008, Amir Khan fought Michael Gomez at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, winning via TKO. Despite being knocked down himself, Khan secured the victory.

September 2008: Loss to Breidis Prescott in September 2008

On September 6, 2008, Amir Khan faced Breidis Prescott and lost via TKO in the first round. The fight was Khan's Sky Box Office debut.

December 2008: Comeback Win Against Oisin Fagan in December 2008

In December 2008, Amir Khan made a comeback after his loss to Prescott, with a second-round stoppage victory against Oisin Fagan. Khan won the vacant WBA International lightweight title.

2008: Khan to Return to Arena Birmingham Since 2008

Amir Khan's return to Arena Birmingham was announced on June 28. It was Khan's first time fighting at the venue since 2008.

March 2009: Defeated Marco Antonio Barrera in March 2009

On March 14, 2009, Amir Khan defeated Marco Antonio Barrera by technical decision. The fight was stopped in the fifth round due to a cut suffered by Barrera, with Khan ahead on all scorecards. Khan defended his WBA International lightweight title and won the vacant WBO Inter-Continental lightweight title.

April 2009: Move to Light-Welterweight Division in April 2009

On April 8, 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. Khan expressed excitement about fighting for the world title at a young age. Khan won by unanimous decision, becoming the third-youngest Brit to win a world title.

October 2009: Khan vs. Salita Fight Confirmation in October 2009

On October 6, 2009, Frank Warren confirmed that Amir Khan would defend his WBA light-welterweight title against Dmitry Salita on December 5. The fight gained media attention due to the religious backgrounds of the fighters.

December 2009: Khan Defeats Salita in December 2009

On December 5, 2009, Amir Khan defeated Dmitry Salita by TKO in the first round. Salita was knocked down three times, resulting in the first loss of his career.

2009: Announced Fight Against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2009

In early 2009, it was announced that Amir Khan would fight Marco Antonio Barrera. Despite lobbying for a world title eliminator status, the fight was not granted the world-title status.

January 2010: Split with Frank Warren in January 2010

In January 2010, Amir Khan announced his split with promoter Frank Warren and signed a deal with Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions.

March 2010: Khan vs. Malignaggi Press Conference in March 2010

In March 2010, Golden Boy Promotions confirmed that Amir Khan and Paulie Malignaggi would hold a press conference to announce their world title bout set for May 15. Khan retained his title after the referee stopped the fight in the eleventh round. Malignaggi acknowledged that he lost to a better fighter.

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 DeMarcus Corley

In August 2010, after failing to secure a fight with Timothy Bradley, Marcos Maidana's camp announced that he would fight former WBO light-welterweight champion DeMarcus Corley on August 28, 2010, at the Luna Park Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

2010: Khan vs Maidana fight awarded Fight of the Year

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 that he had signed a deal to defend his WBA title against European champion Paul McCloskey in his next fight, who was unbeaten in 22 fights and was ranked world number 10.

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. This decision followed Khan's dissatisfaction with the inability to secure a fight with Timothy Bradley.

October 2011: Khan to Defend Title 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 Peterson's hometown of Washington, D.C.

2011: Khan nominated 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: Won IBF Light-Welterweight Title

In 2011, Khan secured the IBF light-welterweight title by defeating Zab Judah via knockout.

2011: Klitschko vs Haye fight earnings

In 2011, the Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye fight was a high earning fight.

May 2012: Khan to Fight Danny García

In May 2012, it was announced that Amir Khan would fight against undefeated WBC champion Danny García. Leading up to the fight, Danny García's father and trainer, Angel García, made disparaging comments about Khan's race and religion.

July 2012: Lost WBA (Super) Light Welterweight Title

In July 2012, Khan lost the WBA (Super) light welterweight title against Danny Garcia.

December 2012: Khan to Fight Carlos Molina After Splitting with Roach

In December 2012, after splitting with trainer Freddie Roach, Amir Khan fought against undefeated lightweight prospect Carlos Molina in his first fight under new trainer Virgil Hunter. The fight took place on December 15, 2012, in the LA Sports Arena in California.

January 2013: Khan nominated for Best at Sport award at British Muslim Awards

In January 2013, Amir Khan was nominated for the Best at Sport award at the British Muslim Awards.

April 2013: Khan Victorious Against Julio Díaz in UK Bout

In April 2013, Amir Khan returned to the UK to fight against Julio Díaz on April 27, 2013, at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield. Despite a fourth-round knockdown, Khan secured a win by unanimous decision.

May 2013: Khan marries Faryal Makhdoom in New York City

In May 2013, Amir Khan married Faryal Makhdoom at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, followed by a second celebration in Manchester with 4,000 guests.

September 2013: Khan plans to invest in banqueting hall in Bolton

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

December 2013: Khan hosts fundraising dinner for Islamic Relief's Philippines Appeal

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.

2013: Khan marries Faryal Makhdoom

In 2013, Amir Khan married Faryal Makhdoom, this was after a private video of Khan was leaked online in 2017, that Khan stated was recorded well before he wed.

May 2014: Khan to Fight Luis Collazo on Mayweather-Maidana Undercard

In May 2014, after Floyd Mayweather announced he would fight Marcos Maidana, Amir Khan decided to fight Luis Collazo on the undercard on May 3, 2014, at the MGM Grand Las Vegas for the vacant WBA International welterweight title, WBA title eliminator, and vacant WBC Silver title. Khan won by unanimous decision.

2014: Won WBA International and Vacant WBC Silver Welterweight Titles

In 2014, Amir Khan defeated Luis Collazo to win the WBA International and vacant WBC Silver welterweight titles.

2014: Khan earned 15 million dollars

In 2014, Amir Khan earned $15 million, making him the sixth highest-earning boxer that year.

2014: Khan Targets Devon Alexander or Robert Guerrero for Next Fight

In 2014, Amir Khan looked to fight one more time that year, targeting Devon Alexander or Robert Guerrero. He eventually fought Devon Alexander on December 13 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

2014: Khan given Pride of Performance from President of Pakistan

In 2014, Amir Khan was given the Pride of Performance award from the President of Pakistan.

May 2015: Khan Wins by UD Against Chris Algieri

In May 2015, Amir Khan faced Chris Algieri in a welterweight bout on May 29, 2015, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and won by unanimous decision. Khan later called out Mayweather after his victory.

2015: Khan receives honorary degree from University of Bolton

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

May 2016: Khan to Face Canelo Álvarez

In May 2016, Amir Khan moved up two weight divisions to middleweight to fight Canelo Álvarez for the WBC, The Ring, and lineal middleweight titles. The fight took place on May 7, 2016, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

November 2016: Khan announces other businesses opening alongside banqueting hall

In November 2016, Amir Khan announced the other businesses that would open alongside the banqueting hall, including FMK make-up shop run by his wife Faryal, Argeela Lounge shisha bar and restaurant, British-Asian curry firm My Lahore, another buffet restaurant and coffee shop.

November 2016: Samuel Vargas' Unbeaten Run Since November 2016

Since November 2016, Samuel Vargas has been on a five-fight unbeaten run. Khan fought Vargas in 2018.

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

In 2016, Amir Khan was named co-owner of India's Super Fight League (SFL). He announced that he, along with Super Fight League, would introduce India's first team-based MMA league.

2016: Khan's earnings from Canelo fight

In 2016, Amir Khan's earnings from the Canelo fight was an estimated £9 million ($13.1 million), the highest for a British boxer since Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye in 2011.

2016: Challenged for WBC and Ring Middleweight Titles

In 2016, Khan challenged for the WBC and The Ring middleweight titles.

February 2017: Khan and Pacquiao Reportedly Reach Deal for Super Fight

In February 2017, Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao both tweeted that a deal had been reached between both camps for a 'super fight' potentially worth £30 million to take place on April 23 in the United Arab Emirates.

August 2017: Khan announces split from Faryal Makhdoom

In August 2017, Amir Khan announced that he and Faryal Makhdoom had agreed to split.

November 2017: Khan and Faryal Makhdoom reconcile

In November 2017, Amir Khan and his wife Faryal Makhdoom reconciled after a brief separation.

November 2017: Khan arrives in Australia for I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!

In November 2017, Amir Khan arrived in Brisbane, Australia to appear as a contestant on the seventeenth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. Khan was the highest-paid contestant in the history of the show.

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December 2017: Khan eliminated from I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!

In December 2017, Amir Khan was the seventh person to be eliminated from I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, coming in 5th place overall. The episode aired in the UK on his 31st birthday. Khan donated part of his earnings to Barnado's.

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2017: Khan and Bill Dosanjh found Super Boxing League

In 2017, Amir Khan and Bill Dosanjh founded Super Boxing League (SBL) after the Super Fight League's first season, aiming to popularize professional boxing in India.

2017: Appearance on "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!"

In 2017, Amir Khan appeared on the seventeenth series of the reality television show "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!".

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2017: Private video of Khan leaked online

In 2017, a private video was leaked online reportedly showing Amir Khan performing a sex act. Khan stated it was recorded "well before" he wed Faryal Makhdoom in 2013.

January 2018: Khan Signs Three-Fight Deal with Matchroom Sport

In January 2018, Amir Khan signed a three-fight deal with Eddie Hearn at Matchroom Sport. A brawl broke out at the press conference with Phil Lo Greco after Lo Greco made comments about Khan's personal life.

September 2018: Khan defeats Vargas by unanimous decision

In September 2018, Amir Khan defeated Samuel Vargas by unanimous decision with scores of 119–108, 119–109 and 118–110. Khan knocked Vargas down twice, while Vargas also managed to drop Khan once during the fight. The fight set a viewership record for UK subscription television in boxing history.

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.

2018: Khan announces the building of Amir Khan Academy in Islamabad

In 2018, Amir Khan announced that he was building a boxing academy called the Amir Khan Academy in Islamabad to train Pakistani amateur boxers competing at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

January 2019: Khan vs Crawford fight becomes official

In January 2019, the fight between Amir Khan and Terence Crawford was officially set to take place at Madison Square Garden on April 20. Khan stated that winning a world title against Crawford would be a bigger achievement than defeating Kell Brook.

March 2019: Khan set to fight Terence Crawford in New York

In March 2019, it was announced that Amir Khan would fight Terence Crawford on April 20 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The fight would be broadcast on ESPN PPV, with BT Sport Box Office acquiring UK broadcasting rights.

July 2019: Khan defeats Billy Dib to win WBC International Welterweight Title

In July 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.

July 2019: Won Vacant WBC International Welterweight Title

In July 2019, Khan secured the vacant WBC International welterweight title by beating Billy Dib via TKO.

November 2019: Khan endorses Conservative candidate Gurjit Kaur Bains

In November 2019, Amir Khan endorsed the Conservative candidate Gurjit Kaur Bains in Walsall South.

March 2021: Khan announces his first signing for Khan Promotions

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

March 2021: Khan appears in Meet the Khans: Big in Bolton on BBC Three

On 29 March 2021, Amir Khan appeared in an eight-part reality show on BBC Three called Meet the Khans: Big in Bolton, alongside his wife Faryal.

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February 2022: Khan defeated by Kell Brook

In February 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.

April 2022: Khan and his wife victims of armed robbery

In April 2022, Amir Khan and his wife were the victims of an armed robbery in East London, where robbers reportedly took Khan's watch valued at £72,000.

April 2022: Khan's doping test reveals ostarine presence

In April 2022, a doping test revealed the presence of ostarine in Amir Khan's system following his fight against Kell Brook, leading to a subsequent ban.

May 2022: Khan announces his retirement from boxing

In May 2022, Amir Khan announced his retirement from boxing with a record of 34 wins from 40 fights.

2022: Retirement from Boxing in 2022

Amir Khan's professional boxing career, which began in 2005, came to an end in 2022.

April 2023: Khan receives two-year ban for doping

In April 2023, Amir Khan received a two-year ban, backdated to April 2022, after a doping test revealed the presence of ostarine following his fight against Kell Brook.