CURRY BEAR

If you know anything at all about boxing, then you would know that the name Amir Khan is about to become as synonymous with boxing as it is with Bollywood. The prize boxer (Amir Khan spelled with one A), who almost a month ago had a first round knockout in about a minute, is one of the most fascinating raising Desi Stars of 2010. The British-Pakistani boxer is now sparring partners with Manny Pacquaio, which is sure to make him and even better fighter than he already is. However, the thing that fascinated me about him the most was all his charity work. Even though he beats people up for a living, he’s an awesome person who has helped many. In July 2006 Khan became involved in the No Messin’ campaign, which promotes child safety around British railways. After the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, Khan went to Pakistan and handed out food parcels to children in a camp. He has also raised more than £6,000 for a firefighter who was badly burned while trying to save a family from an arson attack in Bolton. He has spent £1 million of his own cash on opening the Gloves Community Centre and boxing gym in Bolton to get youths off the streets. Check out my interview with King Khan himself, who just recently signed with Golden Boy Promotions.
1.
CB: First let me just say that it’s an honor to speak to you and thanks for doing an interview with a Desi cartoon bear. I have been following you since you won the silver medal at the 2004 Olympics. How did it feel to win such a prize?
AK: It felt amazing, it was a dream come true. I never really expected myself to get a medal. I went out there to do my best, and to win the silver medal was the best experience ever.

2.
CB: One of your nicknames along with King Khan is Pride of Bolton. But Bolton isn’t the only place you are the pride of. Being of Pakistani decent you are inspiring many in a country in such turmoil. Do you take pride in being an inspiration to so many with so little?
AK: I do what I love doing and boxing is my passion. Being a role model out there to so many youngster who look up to me is a fantastic feeling and although I may be an inspiration to all those out there, its these people that inspire me to do well and push me further, no matter where they are from.

3.
CB: That is great. If you could fight any fictional character who would it be and why?
AK: I would love to fight Jigsaw from the Saw movies because he can talk the talk but can he walk the walk? And it’s about time somebody taught him a lesson.

4.
CB: Nice, just watch out for that twist at the end, like in his movies. How did it feel to be ESPN.com’s 2007 prospect of the year?
AK: When I found out I was ESPNs top prospect of the year, I was overwhelmed. I knew I was pretty well known across the UK, but to find out that I’m pretty well known all over the world is an amazing feeling, as ESPN is global, and there are many other great prospects out there in all sports.

5.
CB: Since you have been getting more and more popular, especially with your round 1 knock out over Dmitriy Salita (good thing I didn’t blink or I would have missed it), you have been getting a lot more attention. How do you deal with all the attention?
AK: I just live my life as normal. Yes I do get a lot of attention, but I always give time to my fans and I never say no if someone asks for a picture or autograph. The people out there respect that and at the same time I enjoy it.

6.
CB: I’m not going to lie, I would enjoy it too. Rumor has it your mom made some home cooking for you and Freddie Roach before the Salita fight? Is this true? If so what did she make?
AK: Yes more or less before every fight my mum makes a meal for the family, friends and the coaches. Freddie loves his curry, and I always tell Freddie my mum makes the best curry and he can’t get enough of it.

7.
CB: Damn I’m going to have to try some one day. How is it being sparring partners with Manny Pacquaio?
AK: A lot of people ask me that question. It’s the best feeling knowing that you are going to be sparring with the best pound for pound boxer in the world. Its the best confidence boost and preparation before any fight, and I do hold my own against him, the whole gym stops and watches, and say its better than watching a real fight. It gets extremely fast and very explosive in there, and once you’ve been in the ring with the best, you’ve learned so much, as you’ve tested yourself against the best, and you aren’t afraid of anyone you step in the ring with again.

8.
CB: Being a bear, I have to ask you this. How well do you think you would do against a bear?
AK: Hahaa, bears are big and strong, and once they grab hold of you, you’re finished, so I’ll have to keep my distance and use my speed and box from the outside. But to be honest with you I wouldn’t step in a ring with a bear in the first place, I might get tempted to cuddle it, and once the bear hugs me its all over.

9.
CB: Hahha, stop flirting with me! How is it having Freddie Roach as your trainer? Have you introduced him to Pakistani culture at all?
AK: Freddie is the best trainer in the world and he has proved it over and over again, knowing that he is in my corner gives me such a great boost and a big advantage over my opponent. His tactics are always spot on, and he has a plan for everything, I haven’t really introduced him to the culture as of yet apart from eating the food which he loves, but I’m sure one day we’ll take him Pakistan with us and he will get a real insight.

Special thanks to Amit Kaushal for help with this interview.