By David Brooks • Boxing & Sport
Few British fighters captured global attention quite like Amir Khan.
From Olympic teenage prodigy to world champion and Las Vegas headliner, the Bolton boxer built a career defined by blistering hand speed, bold matchmaking and unforgettable nights inside the ring.
Across more than 40 professional fights, Khan faced some of boxing’s toughest opponents — often taking risks that elevated both his reputation and the sport’s entertainment value.
Here’s a look back at five fights widely regarded as the most significant moments of his career.
Olympic Promise Turned Professional Ambition
Before turning professional, Khan had already made history.
At just 17 years old, he won silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics, becoming Britain’s youngest Olympic boxing medallist — a moment that instantly raised expectations for his professional future.
Turning pro in 2005, he quickly gained attention for explosive speed and aggressive combinations.
However, early setbacks — including a shock knockout defeat to Breidis Prescott — raised questions about whether he could fulfil his potential at the highest level.
His response would define the next stage of his career.
5. Winning His First World Title Against Andriy Kotelnik (2009)
Five years after Olympic success — and just months removed from a devastating loss — Khan delivered one of the most important performances of his career against WBA champion Andriy Kotelnik.
According to ESPN’s retrospective ranking, the victory represented a turning point.
Using disciplined movement and sharp combinations, Khan controlled the bout to secure a unanimous decision and his first world title.
The win silenced critics who questioned his durability and confirmed he belonged among boxing’s elite at junior welterweight.
4. A Statement Victory Over Marco Antonio Barrera
Earlier in 2009, Khan had already begun rebuilding momentum with a risky matchup against boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera.
Although Barrera was nearing the end of his career, he remained a dangerous opponent and a recognised champion.
Khan dominated through speed and movement before the fight was stopped due to a severe cut suffered by Barrera.
The performance marked Khan’s first major international statement victory and showed how dramatically his style had developed following earlier setbacks.
3. Masterclass Against Devon Alexander (2014)
Moving up to welterweight presented new challenges, but Khan delivered one of his most technically impressive performances against former two-division champion Devon Alexander.
Rather than a dramatic knockout, the fight became a showcase of precision.
ESPN described the bout as an exhibition of speed and footwork, with Khan controlling distance and landing combinations throughout the contest.
Judges awarded him a wide unanimous decision, reinforcing his credentials among elite welterweights at the time.
2. Surviving the Marcos Maidana War (2010)
After an early knockdown scored by Khan, the fight turned into a relentless battle as Maidana applied heavy pressure.
Late in the contest, Khan endured one of the toughest rounds of his career but survived to win a unanimous decision.
The bout was later named Fight of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America — cementing its reputation as one of boxing’s most thrilling contests of the era.
1. Unifying Titles Against Zab Judah (2011)
At the peak of his career, Khan travelled to Las Vegas to face former undisputed champion Zab Judah in a unification bout.
The contest ended emphatically when Khan landed a powerful body shot that forced Judah to take a knee in the fifth round.
The stoppage secured both the WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles, confirming Khan as one of the division’s leading fighters.
The victory also marked his emergence as a genuine international star capable of headlining major American events.
A Career Defined by Risk and Entertainment
Unlike many champions who carefully selected opponents, Khan frequently accepted dangerous matchups.
He later stepped up in weight to face middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez — a bold challenge that demonstrated his willingness to pursue major opportunities even against bigger rivals.
Across victories and defeats, fans remember Khan for speed, courage and a willingness to take on elite competition.
Key Points at a Glance
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Amir Khan became Britain’s youngest Olympic boxing medallist aged 17
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He won world titles at junior welterweight and unified belts in 2011
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Victories over Kotelnik and Judah defined his championship peak
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The Maidana fight remains one of boxing’s most dramatic modern battles
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Khan retired in 2022 after a professional career spanning nearly two decades.
