PROMOTER Frank Warren has labelled Amir Khan the most exciting British prospect since Lennox Lewis as he steps up his bid to lure the Bolton fighter into the paid ranks.

Speculation has been growing that Khan is ready to turn professional after pulling out of the ABA Championships following a dispute over ticket allocations.

The Athens silver medallist has so far denied such a switch is imminent, but that has not stopped Sports Network supremo Warren from continuing to court the 18-year-old.

'Amir Khan and his team have certainly given all the indications that they are looking to turn pro and I would love him to sign with Sports Network,' Warren told www.fightnews.com.

'There are other interested parties but if I was in his shoes I would sign with us as the country's leading boxing team.

Potential

'I am very keen to sign Amir and believe he is one of the rising prospects who has a genuine chance of developing into one of our top fighters in the coming years.

'I have had a number of discussions with his team and made a firm offer but as yet he has not inked a contract with Sports Network. I hope when he makes his decision we are top of the list.

'His performance at the Olympics was an excellent indication of his talent. I have probably not seen as much potential since Lennox Lewis won gold.

'The way he boxes and the way he moves is excellent and although the professional game will be totally different he certainly has a fantastic pedigree and I would love to work with him.'

Warren has even earmarked a suitable gym and trainer to handle Khan's development, although he is not naming any names at the moment.

'I have my ideas where he would best be suited to train and who would be the best trainer if he turned pro with Sports Network,' added Warren.

'His manner is fantastic and with the success he had at the Olympics and his popularity since he returned then he has a bright future in boxing.'

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