Amir keeps troops on their toes

9:29am Thursday 22nd May 2008

AMIR Khan laced up his gloves to give members of an army boxing club some tips as they returned from service in Iraq.

The Olympic silver medalist and Commonwealth champion signed autographs, gave advice and sparred with some of the soldiers in the ring at his Gloves club in Prince Street, Halliwell.

All the soldiers are members of the 1st battalion of the Duke of Lancaster regiment, which recruits exclusively from the north-west.

Two Bolton lads were on the team, and they were delighted to meet their hero in the flesh and get some expert coaching advice.

Kingsmen David Howard, aged 21, from Horwich, and Jason Chappell, aged 21, from Darcy Lever have just joined the regiment's boxing club.

Jason said: "I didn't know anything about boxing before, but we've learned quite a bit from Amir today."

David said: "Just meeting him and getting this close to him is a real privilege, especially as he's from Bolton as well. I've watched him on TV quite a bit and it's great to meet him."

Their coach, Sgt Joseph Fleming, who set up the team, has previously led teams to victory in inter-regimental championships.

Amir said the team, aged from 18 to 21, had a lot of boxing potential.

He said: "They were strong. All they need is a bit of polishing and some technical work.

"Boxing is a tough sport and for these guys to come and have a go it shows they've got a lot of bottle.

"If they ever want to come back to the gym and do some extra training, they're more than welcome."

He gave them tips about diet and the importance of footwork, as well as advising the young boxers to keep their heads up and keep moving in the ring.

Amir added: "These guys are into their boxing big time, and a couple of them I've spoken to have said I've inspired them."

The army had been expecting Amir to present the 16 soldiers with campaign medals for their service in Iraq, but due to a "misunderstanding" on the part of Amir's manager, Asif Vali, the plans were changed at the last minute.

The presentation did not go ahead because Mr Vali said he had not briefed Amir about the medals.

An army spokesman said the medals would be now presented within the regiment at a later date.

He added: "It was really good of Amir Khan to set aside some time to give the tips in ringcraft.

"They went away really thrilled to have met such a sporting icon."