BOLTON'S best wishes were with wonder boxer Amir Khan today.

The teenager has been joined by his family, who flew to Athens on Wednesday to support him in his quest for Olympic gold.

Armed with banners and messages of good luck from the Bolton Evening News, Amir's mother Falak, brother Haroon and sisters Tabinda and Mariyah are now with the 17-year-old ahead of his semi-final fight on Friday teatime.

The former Smithills School pupil became the youngest British boxer to win an Olympic medal - a bronze is guaranteed - with his devastating victory over South Korea's Baik Jong-sub on Tuesday.

His jubilant Heaton family said they knew Amir would win the fight and younger brother Haroon, also a champion boxer, is tipping Amir for the gold medal.

The 13-year-old said before they left: "We are all so proud of Amir and know he is capable of bringing back the gold medal. Whatever happens, we'll be having a huge party for Amir when we get back.

"I cannot wait to see him. I'm really excited. It seems like a long time since he went."

Mum Falak said: "I can't wait to be with him. I'm so proud. We might not get to spend too much time with him as he'll be so busy training. He's very determined and confident and so are we. We're making space for a new medal to go with his other trophies."

Sister Tabinda, aged 18, said: "Amir has always prayed in his hotel before every match and when he enters the ring. It's obviously working.

"He's being compared to his idol Mohammed Ali, but it won't affect him because he's very modest and just gets on with his boxing."

Dad Shajaad is already in Athens and seven of his best friends have made the journey to watch him. Amir will meet Serik Yeleuov of Kazakhstan in the semi-final, with Cuban Mario Cesar Kindelan his likely rival should he get to the final.