BOLTON boxer Haroon Khan hopes success in his first professional bout next month can be the first steps along the same path as his older brother and idol Amir.

The 21-year-old flyweight, who won bronze at the 2010 Commonwealth Games representing Pakistan, makes his professional debut on the undercard of his sibling’s Sheffield match-up with Julio Diaz on April 27 after signing for Golden Boy Promotions UK.

And having looked up to former unified world champion light welterweight, and Olympic silver medalist from Athens, Amir so much as he treads the same boxing path, he is thankful for the advice he has been given as he targets his own successful ring career.

Speaking exclusively to The Bolton News, Khan said: “It is my dream to fight on the same bill as Amir.

“The way I look at Amir is more like an idol than a brother.

“What he has achieved spurs me on to follow in his footsteps and do the same.

“All through the Commonwealth Games, he was calling me every day to give me advice even though he was in his own training camp for the Marcos Maidana fight.

“He motivates me a lot.

“He will be the same before Sheffield because he has been through all this – he was selling arenas out from his first fight.

“It’s great to have his support to help me deal with a big crowd.

“To have both brothers on the same card is brilliant and I am sure the fight fans will love it as well. Dad is excited and is over the moon both of his sons are on the same bill.

“But I am not too sure about mum – she wasn’t too happy about me turning pro.

“I think as long as we achieve our goals, they will both be proud.

“Hopefully, we will both come out victorious.”

The younger Khan is in training for his debut under the stewardship of renowned trainer Oliver Harrison who also mentored Amir through amateurs into the professional circuit before parting company five years ago.

And while he is still coming to terms with earlier wake-up calls, he is enthusiastic about his chances under Harrison at his Salford-based gym.

He added: “Training is going well.

“The hardest part is getting up early in the morning because I am used to waking up at 12-ish.

“I get to the gym at 10am and I am enjoying it.

“I have adjusted to the professional level and I think Oliver is happy with my performance so far.

“Oliver trained Amir and he has got Martin Murray who is fighting for a world title on the same night as I’m on Amir’s bill.

“I enjoy working with Oliver; the way they welcomed me at the gym, it was like coming home.

Haroon fights at a lighter weight than Amir and admits his style is different as well, despite modelling himself on his brother from a young age.

He said: “I think my style is a bit more agressive than Amir’s; I am a bit more flat-footed.

“Amir is always moving on his feet and more slick.

“The pro style suits me more than the amateurs.

“It is my first fight and it will be tough but I am sure the style will suit me more.”

l To keep up to date with Haroon’s progress, follow him on Twitter@harry kingkhan