BOXING sensation Amir Khan believes he can still strike Olympic gold despite losing his latest fight to a world champion.

The 17-year-old Bury Boxing Club fighter could not have had a tougher test than having to face double Olympic and world champion Mario Kinderlan.

Amir came up against the experienced lightweight in the opening round of a pre-Olympic tournament in Greece.

But despite suffering a 33-13 defeat, Amir firmly believes his medal chances have not diminished -- and is confident that he can beat the Olympic gold medal favourite should they meet again at the Games.

Amir said: "It was an incredible experience and I couldn't have faced a better opponent.

"I would have liked to have faced a couple of opponents beforehand to experience different styles, but it was a good fight and I thought the scoreline was much closer. I thought I was only a couple of points away from him.

"I now know what to expect. I put pressure on him in the last two rounds.

"I was a bit nervous before the fight, but although it went to four rounds, I wasn't tired physically.

"I had to concentrate on technique, however, as he was awkward, being a southpaw.

"I have learned a lot and with better preparation I know I can beat him."

Amir faced his biggest challenge yet against the 31-year-old 2003 Cuban Sports Figure of the Year, who has more than 330 fights under his belt and only lost 22 of them.

In contrast, Amir, Great Britain's only boxing representative at this summer's Olympics, has fought just eight times at senior level, but gave a good account of himself and never looked in trouble against his opponent.

GB coach Ian Irwin was hugely impressed with the performance.

"It was a marvellous achievement and a big step in terms of his Olympic preparation," he said.

"I didn't think the scoreline reflected the contest, as Amir should have had more than 20 points.

But the five judges sitting around the ring see the Olympic champion up against a young lad and maybe in their mind they expect him to win easily.

"Maybe he is a little disappointed, and that is the right way to think whenever you lose, but all it can do is boost his confidence. It will be at the Olympics when he feels the benefit.

"We would have preferred him to have faced a couple more fighters, but it is a great experience in terms of Olympic preparation.

"He has had a good look at the venue, warm-up area and learned a bit of the Greek culture. All these things can be daunting the first time.

"I am still confident that with the right draw Amir has a great chance of a medal.

"I don't think he needs any more competition. We have an eight-week training programme which is designed to keep him fresh."