“My grandfather on my dad's side was the first in our family to settle in the U.K. He came from Pakistan on his own in the '60s and worked in a cotton mill in Bolton, earning enough to bring over the rest of his family. My dad, Shah, was only about eight when he came to this country. Like most immigrants, he has a fierce work ethic.”

British former professional boxer

Amir Khan is a British former professional boxer, active from 2005 to 2022. Born and raised in Bolton, he first made his name as an amateur before moving into the professional ranks. He is known for his rise at the 2004 Summer Olympics and for the world title he later won as a young professional. At the Athens Games, Khan won a silver medal in the lightweight division and became Britain’s youngest Olympic boxing medallist at 17. He turned professional in 2005, was named ESPN prospect of the year in 2007, and went on to win the World Boxing Association title at 22. His career is marked by speed, ambition, and early success at both amateur and professional level.