BOXER Amir Khan has been drawn into a political dust-up after an election candidate used his image on a leaflet without permission.

Amina Lone, who is standing in Manchester for Labour, put out a leaflet with a picture of her landing a mock blow on the Olympic medal-winner's jaw.

It included the caption: 'Amina shows Amir Khan who is the champion in Whalley Range'.

But Amir, who has never voted and refuses to endorse any political party, was less than amused. His representatives are understood to have contacted local Labour Party chiefs to express their anger.

Asif Vali, Amir's manager, said: "He did not know about it and no permission has been given for a picture to be used.

"He is not a political figure and I am surprised this has been done. They should have come through our office and the answer would have been 'no'.

"Amir is not involved in politics. He has not even voted."

Ms Lone, who works for the Race Equality Foundation, is hoping to unseat Lib Dem John Grant in Whalley Range on May 1.

The election battle in the ward was already one of the bitterest in Manchester - Faraz Bhatti, who won for the Lib Dems in 2007, has since defected to become the city's first Conservative candidate in more than a decade.

Last night Ms Lone said she had not meant any offence and remained a 'huge fan' of Amir.

"I am surprised this has come up," she said. "I was just so excited about punching our future world champion. I will be writing to Amir to explain."

The full list on candidates for Whalley Range is: Mary Candeland (Green), John Grant (Lib Dem), Fawad Hussain (Con), Amina Lone (Lab).

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