“This Is So Sad”: Olympic Medalist Lauds Amir Khan for Helping Struggling Boxer Who Was Willing to Sell His Gold Medal for $5,000 to Build a House for Himself

Tony Jeffries and Amir Khan, both are fighters who etched their names in the history of boxing. Fortunately enough, they have also been able to make a decent fortune for themselves through the craft. Not everyone is that lucky though and they are well aware of the disparity as well.

Mario Kindelán Meza emerged as one of the world’s best amateur boxers. With each fight, he faced the trials and tribulations of the sport. Despite the allure of fame and fortune, Kindelán remained loyal to his craft and country. He resisted the pressure from the sports industry to abandon his amateur status and turn professional, as he believed in the strength of his principles. Even then, the boxer has to face the pangs of poverty, resorting to selling his hard-earned gold medal.

Amir Khan refuses to strike a deal with past opponent and has a better idea instead

Mario Kindelan, a two-time Olympic champion boxer from Cuba, is willing to sell his gold medal to Khan. The reason? He wants to build a house in his country. At the age of 17, Khan, a remarkable prodigy, faced a defeat against the legendary Kindelan in the Athens final nearly two decades ago. However, Khan managed to seek redemption in a rematch the following year before transitioning to the professional circuit, where he ultimately achieved the status of a world champion.

Now, Kindelan has approached Khan with an unusual request to buy his gold medal for $5000. Khan was touched. He made a video to let fans know of the conditions accomplished boxers have to live in. He decided to help him out. “what I’m gonna do is, I’m gonna give him $5000 dollars. It touched my heart when, that’s how desperate he is.” said Khan. This story highlights Kindelan’s desperate nature and his willingness to sell his gold medal for the same reason he has already promised.

Jeffries Oly, who has been active on social media debunking boxing myths and helping budding boxers train better was disheartened when he found the news. He said, “This is so sad and at the same time great to see @amirkingkhan doing what he did here.”  and reminded fans that Kindelan was one of the greatest amateur boxers. This is not the only time Khan has taken a step towards making the world a better place.

Amir Khan stood up for BoMac

Dodging the standard five-year sentence for unintentional gun possession in the UK, Bomac skillfully navigated the legal maze. Judge Nicholas Dean acknowledged “exceptional circumstances,” handing down a 20-month suspended jail term. Notably, undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford came to BoMac’s aid. He testified on his behalf, a move that spared the coach immediate incarceration.

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Khan, too, stepped into the ring of support. He not only attested to Bomac’s innocence but penned a letter advocating for the boxing coach. Reflecting on the ordeal, Khan shared, “What Bomac went through was tough; I always said he was an innocent man who made a mistake. I’m glad the UK judge made it easy for him. I’ve trained with him in that dangerous neighborhood where people off the streets pursue boxing and become champions.”

It is disheartening to see boxers who have put in a lot of hard work to achieve laurels, having to resort to such means to ensure good living conditions. Khan certainly set an example by drawing attention to this pressing issue and helping out a fellow sportsman. What do you think of this gesture by the boxer? Do you think strong action need to be taken to help amateur boxers secure their finances?

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