New Delhi: Set to roll out professional academies in India starting April next year, British boxing star Amir Khan today said given the abundant talent, he would be very surprised if the country does not produce a boxer of the calibre of Muhammad Ali in the near future.
"I believe India can produce a Muhammad Ali. I cannot accept that with that huge population and talent that you guys have, it's not possible. India has the potential to produce a champion like Ali," Amir told reporters here on the sidelines of a event to announce the launch of his planned academy in Delhi-NCR.
Amir's academy will have a tie-up with Mixed Martial Arts organisation, Super Fight Promotions, which will also partner the star in launching an International Boxing League in South East Asia.
Bowled over by the warm hospitality that he got during his maiden trip to the country, Amir said the five-day stay, which ends today, has been an unforgettable experience.
"I never expected this kind of love and warmth. I was here for the first time, attended a couple of weddings (including that of star cricketer Harbhajan Singh), went to Ajmer Sharif and it was an unforgettable experience. I would definitely come back again," said the 28-year-old, who, at 17, became the youngest British boxer to win an Olympic medal with his silver in the 2004 Athens Games.
