Khan, who claims he decided to fight for Pakistan after he was snubbed by England, appeared the more aggressive throughout but the counter-punching skills of highly rated Selby kept him in the bout and at the end of the allotted three rounds the score was level at 3-3.

However, Khan was awarded the victory on countback meaning that he progresses to next week's semi-final where he is guaranteed a medal.

The 19-year-old said: "I went into an internet café last night and read the media and I saw Selby saying he was going to batter me.

"A win is a win, all that matters is the score.

"I had high hopes of facing him in the ring because I had a perfect plan for him.

"I was confident I could beat him.

"He is a great fighter, strong and keeps going forward.

"I hope I can fight him again some day."

Khan added that he has proved his point to the British selectors who omitted him from the team by winning a medal but stressed that he didn't have a problem with the boxers on the team.

He said: "My job was to come here and prove them (the selectors) wrong and I have done that.

"My aim was to get a medal.

"The 52kg English lad Tommy Stubbs didn't get it and I did.

"I don't have a problem with the England boxers - one of the coaches came to me before the fight and wished me luck so I don't have a problem with the team, it's just the selectors."

Khan said he is looking forward to his semi-final match in two days' time but admitted he has a difficult task on his hands when he faces home favourite Suranjoy Mayengbam of India.

"It's going to be tough," said Khan.

"He is strong, he's got great stamina and he's going to keep coming forward."

Contact the writer of this story [email protected]


Related stories
October 2010: Boxing prodigy Khan vows to clinch Commonwealth gold for Pakistan after England snub
March 2010: Pakistan coach warns Haroon Khan he is not guaranteed place in team for London
March 2010: Amir Khan's brother to fight for Pakistan at London 2012 Olympics
February 2010: Alan Hubbard - Exclusively reveals why Amir Khan's highly-rated younger brother is set to snub Britain and fight for Pakistan at London 2012