MUHAMMAD Ali has paid tribute to the inspiration Amir Khan has had on his young life as the 20-year-old boxer prepares to follow in his footsteps and fight for Great Britain at the Olympics.

Ali says his eyes were opened about the possibility of a career in sport after watching his idol win a silver medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

The Keighley-born youngster went to train with Mick Jelley at Bury ABC, who guided the fledgling career of Khan, and realised his dream this year after qualifying to compete for Team GB at the Rio Games, which get underway with the opening ceremony tomorrow.

"He (Amir Khan) was the first British-born Muslim to represent Britain at the Olympics, and at 17 as well," said Ali.

"A lot of young lads, especially Muslims, suddenly thought 'so you actually can do it - you can become a sports person'.

"I couldn't believe it, thinking he's 17-years-old and he's got a silver medal. He's going to turn pro, make millions of pounds and just going to smash life now, and I wanted to be in that position one day and hopefully achieve even half of what he has achieved.

"Once I went to Bury (ABC) everything kickstarted from there.

"I started to train with his former coach, Mick Jelley, and he has been a big help for me in getting to the Olympics."

Ali has to wait until next Saturday, August 13, for his first bout in the flyweight division.

Bury cyclist Adam Yates and Radcliffe-born swimmer James Guy will be in competition over the first weekend.

Turn to page 3 to find out more about the Bury's Olympic trio.