AMIR Khan has handed over the reins of the running of his academy in the hope of honing the talents of future world champions from Bolton’s Gloves Community Centre.

The former WBA and IBF world light welterweight champion has teamed up with promotions company It’s A Bout Boxing to give the amateur side of his gym a kickstart while he focuses on a return to the ring in 2017.

The 2004 Olympic silver medallist admits finding it tough to dedicate as much time to the gym in between training camps in America between fights and has decided to draft in help.

But rather then relinquish all control the boxer, who turns 30 next month, says he is as determined as ever to see the Prince Street academy thrive.

He sees the decision as an important one to make sure the complex he funded is used to its maximum potential by youngsters in the local community as well as the professionals who train there with Joe Gallagher.

Khan said: “Being away a lot of the time in America training it is difficult for me to make sure the gym is running right.

“I thought it would be a great idea to get It’s A Bout Boxing on board to help with that and through their TV channel promote the work done here and the fighters.

“I want this to be like the Wild Card gym in America – one that’s booming and busy and that people want to go to to train.

“The gym needs that push because it has slipped away a little on the amateur side.

“I want to see this place doing well and improving.

“I will still be involved – it is not a handover of the keys.”

Marcus Anderson, founder of It’s A Bout Boxing, will work with former Bolton policeman and fitness coach Chris Worthington to improve the gym and added: “We want to get Gloves ABC even better – we want fighters out every week if we can.

“We want to make this place the X-factor of boxing,

“It will still be the Amir Khan Academy.

“There will be investment on our part – a lot of which will be pumped into the amateur side and getting people from the Bolton community involved.

“We want it to be the home for local boys and girls who want to box.”