“Out of every 25 lads that come into the gym, you might only get one that is good enough to put into amateur competition.
“We don’t want it to be all about Amir, we want it to be about everybody, always looking forward, but it’s true Amir’s name and what we did together has helped to bring people into the club.”
While it might be impossible to draw a clear line between Khan and future generations of Asian boxers, he does seem to have started a ripple effect.
Just as Nadim was inspired to take up the sport as a youngster after watching Khan box, it is anticipated others will latch on to today’s Asian boxers to do the same.
Ahmed believes the “Khan effect” could have just as profound an impact outside the ring as within it.
Some of his volunteers are being supported by Jelley to take level one coaching qualifications with England Boxing. An increase in the number of Asian coaches is seen as key to the continued growth of the sport within the community.
Ahmed also believes having a multicultural club such as a Bury ABC based in the heart of the town’s Muslim community is having a welcome impact on integration.
And, just as Khan’s Olympic exploits helped bridge gaps between communities back in 2004, he believes his true legacy is that that process is continuing to this day.
“Mick is like a father figure for white lads, Asian lads, black lads – for all communities,” said Ahmed. “Regardless of your religion or race, if you are good and you are dedicated, Mick will help you reach your potential.
“What better way to minimise and eradicate racism and hatred by bringing together different communities? Young lads, from a young age, mixing, learning to respect one another.
“That has improved relationships between different ethnic and religious groups, which is a fantastic outcome in this collaboration.”
