BURY Boxing Club's Amir Khan defeated Greek hope Marios Kaperonis with a third round stoppage to get his dream of Olympic medal glory off to a flyer in Athens yesterday.
The 17-year-old lightweight, coached by Mike Jelley, overcame early nerves to put in a superb display, forcing the referee to stop the contest after Khan went into a 32-12 points lead.
His win now sets up a tasty clash against Bulgaria's experienced European champion, Dimitar Stilianov, on Friday.
Amir's proud father Shah was struggling to speak on Tuesday morning after he had shouted himself hoarse during the fight.
"It went as well as we had hoped," he said. "It was an unbeliveable feeling seeing him in action at the Olympics. It is the ultimate and it can't get any btter than this. I just hope he can get through the next fight.
"It will be a tough fight, but Amir is confident he can win. If he does then I believe he can get a medal."
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