Speaking here at the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships, where he was welcomed by Qatar Boxing Federation President and executive director of the Local Organising Committee Yousuf Ali Al-Kazim, the Athens 2004 Olympic silver medallist said it’s getting to the point where AIBA's boxers are "very similar" to their professional counterparts. 

Launched last year, APB is the only individual professional boxing competition that allows boxers to compete while retaining their Olympic eligibility, while the WSB, which took off in 2010, similarly provides a bridge between Olympic boxing and a future professional programme.

Having competed as a 17-year-old at Athens 2004, Khan is Great Britain’s youngest-ever Olympic boxing medallist and appreciates just how important the World Championships are to the career of aspiring young fighters, especially with 23 Rio 2016 Olympic places up for grabs at this year’s edition.

"They’re getting the fighters prepared for the professional [ranks] I think and for the big world titles," said Khan.

"I think it’s a lot harder being an amateur than it is to be a professional because obviously when you’re fighting as an amateur at this level, you’re fighting the best in the world, all over the world, whereas as a professional you can sometimes pick who you fight."

He added: "The Olympic Games changed my life and boxing here ahead of the Olympics in Rio will be no better preparation for those who qualify.

"There is some very good fighters here and everyone needs to give every opponent the upmost respect.

"Every boxer’s dream is to become a world champion and AIBA with this event are able to get boxers prepared for the highest level."

Thursday (October 8) saw the visit to the World Championships of the Philippines’ eight-weight boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao, whose potential next opponent is Khan.

Khan says he would love to compete here in Qatar and considers it a potential destination for a showdown with his former sparring partner. 

"A fight over here would be amazing," he stated.

"There has been a lot of talk about me and Manny; we are friends but sometimes friends have to fight and this would be an amazing location for it.

"Pacquiao is a fight I would love to have.

"I have left it with my agents to look at contracts, but it is definitely something I would want to happen."

Khan will take in the World Championships this week, fulfilling media duties and offering some tips to help his fellow countrymen representing Great Britain.

He intends to spend nearly three weeks in Qatar, conducting an intense training camp at some of Doha’s world-class facilities.

"Amir wants to enjoy the boxing but also train hard in Doha," said Al-Kazim.

"Hopefully he’ll enjoy his time in our nation and who knows, he might be back to compete himself soon.

"Qatar has made a big statement and Doha has definitely announced itself on the world stage of boxing this week as a potential venue for the biggest names in the sport to train and compete."



Related stories
October 2015: AIBA launches new smartphone app at 2015 World Boxing Championships
October 2015: Cuba's Cruz shows his resilience as quarter-final line-up at AIBA World Boxing Championships is confirmed
October 2015: The Philippines' Ladon inspired to surprise victory by compatriot Pacquiao on day three of the AIBA World Boxing Championships
October 2015: Pandemonium as Pacquiao pays visit to AIBA World Boxing Championships
October 2015: Official medical partner of 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships to host specialised medical conference