US Olympic boxers train at Amir’s gym (From This Is Lancashire)

US Olympic boxers train at Amir’s gym

9:27am Thursday 19th July 2012 in News

THE US Olympic boxing team are using Bolton as their base ahead of this summer’s games.

The squad has been training at Khan’s Gloves gym and say they are hoping to emulate Amir Khan’s Athens success at London 2012.

The US team picked Bolton ahead of other venues, including Sheffield, after 12 months of negotiations, preferring to train away from the glare of the capital.

And Khan, who is back home from the United States following his defeat to Danny Garcia in Las Vegas at the weekend, is delighted the team have chosen Bolton as their base.

Khan said: “It’s a big honour to have the US boxing team here training in the gym. The Olympics is something that means a lot to me, having been there and experienced what these guys are going through.

“Trainer Freddie Roach played a part in getting them here and it’s great they have chosen to be based in Bolton.”

The team arrived last weekend and have combined training at Khan’s gym, with strength and conditioning work at David Lloyd.

The squad is made up of 12 competitors, including three women set to take part in the Games for the first time.

And head coach Basheer Abdullah says it has proved a perfect base because it was “away from all the distractions in London”.

He said: “The people of Bolton have been amazing. The staff at the De Vere Whites hotel have been superb and catered for every need.

“It has been first class in Bolton and we are honoured to be here.”

The US team are not alone in using the facilities in Bolton, with the Thailand team also in town this week and boxers from India and Cuba also in line to visit.

Heavyweight contender Michael Hunter, the 24-year-old son of former professional Michael senior, admits he has felt at home in Bolton despite being a long way from his native Las Vegas.

Hunter said: “We really appreciate how good everyone has been and it’s made for a perfect preparation.

“We are ready now and that’s thanks to everyone in Bolton who has helped us.”