Amir credits India's system for rise in boxing, singles out Bidhuri for Olympic glory

Former Olympic medallist and professional star Amir Khan feels India has a robust system in place to keep producing good boxers for the world stage and singled out 2017 World Championship bronze-winner Gaurav Bidhuri for Olympic glory at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

The 32-year-old from Bolton, who clinched the WBC international welterweight title during a Super Boxing League (SBL) bout in Jeddah last week, believes India have the wherewithal to produce champions, who can follow the likes of Vijender Singh and MC Mary Kom.

"Indian boxing is doing very good. What I like is that they have a system which not many countries have," Amir, who had knocked out Australian Billy Dib last Saturday, told PTI during an interview.

"In India, all fighters get an opportunity to fight international tournaments, they are funded and they also get paid, because these boxers can't get jobs as they have to focus on boxing.

"All countries should follow this system. That's why they have Olympic medallists like Vijender and Mary Kom and many more will come from this, it will only inspire the next generation."
"AIBA needs to be there and so they need to set up a proper committee and work hand-in-hand. It is the only way boxing will work. Without amateur boxing, I won't be here, so I know how much amateur boxing means. Champion boxers like Mike Tyson, all of them started from amateur. So without AIBA it is going to be difficult."