BOLTON boxing sensation Amir Khan bashed his way to Olympic silver -- and now he is going for the gold medal on Sunday lunchtime.

Millions of fans around the world watched enthralled as the 17-year-old overcame his nerves in Athens to beat his Kazakhstan opponent and book himself a place in the boxing final.

A second-half comeback saw him triumph by a massive 14-point margin after trailing 16-14 at the end of the second round.

Amir is looking to emulate the great Floyd Pattersson who scooped an Olympic crown at the age of 17 in the 1952 Games.

All our earlier reports from Athens

In Athens, close family friend Asif Vali said after the fight: "Amir's ready to step up a gear."

In Bolton and Bury, hordes of ecstatic fans cheered Khan to victory against Serik Yeleuov.

The beers were flowing in pubs as Amir set up a gold medal fight against fancied Cuban Mario Cesar Kindelan Mesat. Khan is now guaranteed at least an Olympic silver medal.

Mr Vali said: "The way Amir came back in the later rounds was awesome. The adrenalin is still pumping here.

"The last two rounds were unbelievable. He came out and really showed his class.

"He's going for the gold medal now and although he's got the Cuban to fight, Amir's ready to step up a gear."

The Heaton fighter didn't disappoint his army of fans watching the semi-final back home.

In Bury, Amir's friends from the Bury Amateur Boxing Club packed the King's Hotel in Heywood.

Mark Thompson, who has been Khan's sparring partner for the past two years, said: "He came out a bit cold in the first two rounds but after that the other guy got tired.

"That was when Amir's fitness came in. He's got great fitness and he was just too fast and too good for him.

"He was a bit nervous tonight, but I'm sure he will do the business on Sunday."

Ian McGovern, assistant coach at Bury ABC, said: "Amir tried to go toe-to-toe at first, which isn't his normal style.

"If he sticks to his normal style, which is going in and out and being unpredictable and not getting too involved, I think he can win on Sunday.

"The whole club is proud of him and the whole of Great Britain rooting for him."

Relatives and other friends gathered at the family home in Bolton to watch the fight.

Cousin Sajid Mahmood, aged 22, who plays cricket for Lancashire and the England Academy side, said: "I'm really chuffed for him. He out-boxed his opponent and deserved the win.

"He's got a lot of talent and there is something about him. He has reached the final at the age of 17 which is incredible.

"I think he'll put up a good fight.

"We are really good mates and I have spoken to him most days since he has been out there. He is feeling pretty confident and relaxed."

Sparring partner Alex Stephens, friends with Khan since they were young boys, said: "He is a fantastic fighter and I'm delighted for him.

"I never had any doubt that he would beat him. I'm sure there is more success to come."

Other supporters of Khan also heaped praise on the teenager.

Alison Bowes, head of Bolton Community College, where Khan is studying for a BTEC sports diploma, said: "What a star! There's no stopping him now.

"Amir's quiet determination and commitment to his sport has paid off and he has a chance to follow his hero Ali and get the gold.

"We are really pleased Amir has done so well and that he is still determined to get a qualification to help him in the future.

"We will be on the edge of our seats on Sunday, feeling every punch, but we are really confident that he will be bringing the gold medal back to Bolton."

The comeback sparked roars of approval from punters gripped by the action at The Varsity, in Churchgate, Bolton.

Noel Clarkson said: "Amir's taken him to pieces. He started slow but picked it up. He's doing Bolton proud.

Paul Gallagher said: "That was his toughest fight yet but Amir showed that he's like a piece of iron. He's not a man, he's a machine."

Zahid Zarin added: "He's a Bolton lad and we'll support him all the way. It was such a battling performance and I'm sure he'll win the gold medal now."