Team GB boxing coach Terry Edwards believes Amir Khan's "winning attitude and
determination" helped him to secure a place in Sunday's Olympic final against
defending champion Mario Kindelan.
The Bolton teenager had been nothing short of sensational in his first three
fights, stopping two of his opponents, and the British fans inside the Peristeri
Hall were expecting something similar in his semi-final clash with Kazakhstan's
Serik Yeleuov.
However, Khan found it difficult to find a way through in the opening round
and the second followed a similar pattern, with the young Briton behind at the
halfway stage.
The 17-year-old was able to raise his game in the third and unleashed some
hurtful-looking shots which helped him move ahead for the first time in the
contest.
He outclassed his opponent in the last round to secure a 40-26 win, which has
set up a mouth-watering showdown with one of the best pound-for-pound amateurs
around.
Khan, who is studying sports development at Bolton Community College, will
have to dig deep again on Sunday if he is to become Britain's youngest-ever
boxing gold medallist.
But at least he knows that when his back is against the wall, he can respond
in a positive manner and turn the fight around.
"I think he showed us another side to him last night," said Edwards.
"He has got that winning attitude and determination to come back after
falling behind.
"I think he showed a remarkable attitude and I think we have now seen many
sides of Amir Khan this week - the technical side, the power and the winning
attitude when he can come back.
"I think that was the first time he has been behind in this tournament, but
he knows he can come back."
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