AMIR Khan's quest for Olympic glory has been driven by an insatiable thirst to better the achievements of his boxing idol Muhammad Ali.

The 17-year old had always wanted to win an Olympic Gold before 'The Greatest', who was 18 when achieved that honour under the name Cassius Clay.

And although he narrowly failed to do so, he has made millions across the world sit up and take notice of his natural talent and power.

Amir's bedroom is a shrine to Ali, whose performances sparked his passion for boxing as a child.

He has two huge posters of the legend hanging above his bed, featuring quotes made famous by Ali.

The Khan family says the pictures provide inspiration for Amir.

One states: "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see."

The other says: "I'm so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark."

Amir's younger brother Haroon says that the "Heaton Destroyer" could soon be famous for some sayings of his own.

He said: "I keep saying that Amir should be making up these sort of quotes for himself, the way he is boxing at the moment.

"I know that one day people will be quoting what he has said too."

In fact, this is already happening.

Amir's motto seems to be: "Let your boxing do the talking."

Khan's love of the sport developed after watching tapes of Ali in action.

Before he flew out to Athens, the former Smithills school pupil said: "The first fight I saw was Ali against George Foreman in the 'Rumble in the Jungle' and I was hooked.

"His style was awesome, and ever since I have been watching his fights on video and reading books about him.

"I heard about how he won an Olympic gold medal at a young age so I know it can happen."

Amir says that the 'Rumble in the Jungle', is the sporting event he would most like to have seen in history.

He has been quoted in the national press as idolising Ali "for the way he could adapt to different styles. He was so clever in the ring".

He also told a national sports website: "I was once compared to a young Mohammed Ali, which was very flattering.

"He's my main hero, so it's good when people say things like that. My ultimate ambition is to be the world champion and become a boxing legend."

And the pair have more than just their love of the sport in common.

Both fighters are Muslim, and the pair are credited as being gentlemen outside the ring.

Amir is already being heaped with praise for his mild-mannered and sensible demeanour -- much like a young Ali.

Haroon says Amir respects Ali because of his dedication to the sport.

He said: "Amir refuses to be big-headed. He doesn't look up to boxers such as Prince Naseem and Mike Tyson because they are very cocky fighters, and he believes in being more focused and getting on with it.

"He is not a show fighter, just a proper boxer.

"People say he is a younger version of Ali, and I'm so pleased for him because that will mean a lot to him.

"Boxing is his life and he is so dedicated. He has always wanted to be like Ali and match his achievements."