MILLIONS of viewers across the globe will watch Bolton's Olympic gold-medal hope Amir Khan in action on Friday night.

The 17-year-old boxing star is hotly tipped to win a place in the final when he faces Khazakhstan's Serik Yeheuov in the semi. But the Heaton teenager is already smiling -- for he enjoyed an emotional family reunion in Athens, on Thursday.

An ecstatic Amir greeted his mum Falak with a huge hug and kisses, and was delighted to be able to share his experiences of the Games with the family.

The teenage boxing sensation spent an hour with his mum, brother Haroon and sisters Tabina and Mariyah at The Lodge, a British Embassy school building in Athens.

It is the first time Amir, who has been in Greece for three weeks, has seen his mum and siblings since he flew out to Athens. He has since taken the world of amateur boxing by storm with a series of spectacular victories.

Amir, who is already guaranteed a bronze medal, had pestered dad Shah to arrange a trip out to Athens for the family as he was missing them so much.

They arrived in the early on Thursday morning, and were able to meet up with Amir shortly before lunchtime.

Mr Khan, who has been with Amir since the tournament began, said: "Amir was obviously missing them, and was delighted to see them all.

"It was very emotional and he gave his mum a massive hug and a big smacker on the cheek as soon as she walked in the room.

"You could see on his face how pleased he was. We all spent an hour with him chatting and enjoying being together. We are all here now together, and it is fantastic."

Amir was also shown a copy of Wednesday's Bolton Evening News, which featured a full-page front cover of Amir in a victorious stance after his first-round win over Baik Jong-sub.

Mr Khan said: "Amir was delighted to be on the front page of the Bolton Evening News, and is really pleased about all the support from his home town. He really is buzzing about it all."

"There are about 15 of his friends here from Bolton and family members, so altogether there are around 25 of us, so the local support out here is great."

Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce is also a big supporter of Whites fanatic Amir. He said: "We will be cheering Amir on."