Amir Khan surprised children at a boxing gym as he turned up to meet the excited hopefuls of Bolton’s boxing scene.

The former world champion boxer from Bolton headed to the Amir Khan Academy and surprised youngsters as he walked in.

Amir spoke to all the young boxers at the gym, signing autographs, taking pictures, and inspiring them.

Amir has been back in his hometown after seeing cousin Abdul Khan win his seventh fight at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Round4Round is a community boxing project that operates from the academy and aims to get young people off the streets and into the gym with education on knife crime included.

Nasir Akram, from Round4Round, said: “Amir rang me at 10.15am and I rang Shiraz and Ash who jumped on a conference call to coordinate activities for the next few hours and agree to surprise all.

“We were delighted but didn’t want to raise expectations in case he had a cancellation where the kids would be heartbroken.

“The parents and kids were amazed and couldn’t believe their eyes with all rushing to get a picture, autograph and one kid Zain taking his shirt off for an autoraph.”

Speaking about the gym, he said: “This gives me a feel for a world class gym in my hometown to the standards I delivered in my career.

“Coming back and seeing the kids at the gym brought back great memories and optimism that the future of boxing is bright in Bolton.

“I am impressed by the quick turnaround by the Round4Round team in bringing to life my vision and legacy for my beloved Bolton.”

One young lucky person was Max Wilson, a budding and inspiring nine-year-old who got the chance to do some pad work with the Bolton legend.

Amir was in high spirits as young people rushed up him and swarmed him.

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