BOLTON boxing sensation Amir Khan is bristling with confidence and firmly believes he can make the Olympic lightweight final.

The teenage terrier has produced two stunning performances that have put him just one win away from a guaranteed bronze medal, but the Heaton world junior champion says he can go all the way and reach Sunday's Olympic final.

Standing in Amir's way on Tuesday night is South Korea's Baik Jong-sub, who out-pointed Mongolia's Erdene Munkh to make the last eight.

A victory would take Amir through to the semi-finals and would guarantee him a medal, as two bronzes are awarded in the boxing competition.

And the way the Heaton 17-year-old has handled the pressure to turn on two dazzling displays has made him favourite to go through -- despite his opponent being ranked fifth in the world.

The way Amir taught experienced Bulgarian Dimitar Stilianov a boxing lesson to reach the quarter-finals underlined his massive potential.

The European champion -- and twice a world championship medallist -- Stilianov, aged 28, was resolutely punched out of the tournament by the gifted Bolton student.

Amir, who is trying to become the youngest Olympic boxing champion since the USA's Floyd Patterson in 1952, said: "I'm not saying I will win the gold, but I know I'm capable of getting a medal at these Olympics. I have boxed a European champion,

who is 10 years older than me. I was confident I could beat him and I did. I was getting stronger and he was getting tired.

"I'm taking it step by step, one fight at a time -- but that win has given me a lot of confidence, although I don't want to be too confident because my next fight will be hard."

He cannot take anything for granted against Jong-sub, who was good enough to beat his Mongolian opponent 33-22 in the last round.

Cuba's Mario Kindelan, a double Olympic champion, is expected to be Khan's foe if he does reach the final. At 33, Kindelan is almost twice Khan's age, and widely regarded as the best amateur fighter in the world.

British coach Terry Edwards, who has described Amir as the best boxer he has ever seen, is full of praise for the young phenomenon.

"The guy is absolutely tremendous," he said. "Stilianov is a very classy boxer and he didn't have a bad day, but he was outclassed."

Mike Jelley, Amir's personal coach at Bury Amateur Boxing Club, is also confident his charge will win tonight.

"We have had a good look at the videos and we feel Amir can beat him." he said.

"I have now been able to get a pass for the training room, and I can prepare Amir properly. He was more relaxed in his last fight and that is important."

Father Shajaad, who cut a dash when he was interviewed by the BBC sporting a Union Flag waistcoat, said: "Amir has been brilliant, but I have been particularly impressed with the way he has used his brain and he has not done anything stupid.

"It is a great boost to have Mick in the training room with him, because Amir needs him in there.

"His speed is incredible and although he made some mistakes and got caught, he showed he can take a punch. I am sure he will have no problems tonight."

Amir will be in action at 6.45pm, and if he is wins, will contest the semi-final on Friday evening.