Amir Khan storms into last eight

August 20, 2004 20:25 IST

Britain's teenage boxing hope Amir Khan stormed through to the quarter-finals of the Olympic tournament with a spectacular victory over seasoned Bulgarian Dimitar Stilianov on Friday.

The 17-year-old lightweight confirmed he was a unique talent by easily outpointing the European champion with a stunning display.

Khan struggled at first against the tricky southpaw and was just one point ahead after the first round but he then stepped up a gear, shaking his opponent with a flashing left-right combination in the second round.

Swift footwork, amazing hand speed and great accuracy helped Khan increase his lead on the scoreboard in the last two rounds to win a 37-21 decision.

The world junior champion, Khan, the only British boxer in Athens, is trying to become the youngest Olympic boxing champion since American Floyd Patterson in 1952.

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