TINY Rico Young sparred with boxing giant Amir Khan - despite being the smallest fighter in Bury Amateur Boxing Club.

The 12-year-old, who weighs just four stone, took on Olympic silver medalist Amir during the making of a BBC radio programme about the boxer's affect on his local community.

Rico's mum, Star Young, said: "Amir is Rico's hero. My brothers boxed in the club and have known Amir ever since he started training at Bury club. Now Rico has started there he says he wants to be just like him.

"From what I can make out, people think he'll make it if he keeps his ambition. He's got the spark."

Rico, who is taught at home, also swims and does gymnastics.

His mum said: "He is really athletic, he does everything with 100 per cent effort and you can't even tell when he's new at something, he tries so hard."

Rico will be allowed to fight properly as soon as his weight hits four stone, five pounds.

Until then, he's very happy practising with his hero, Amir

After the Silver, a programme about the effect Amir Khan's Olympic win has had on his community and his sport, will be on BBC Radio 4 on Thursday, February 3.