Amir Khan launches boxing academy in the UAE with GymNation

The British-Pakistani boxer says he wants to develop the sport and provide more opportunities for potential champions in the country

Boxer Amir Khan, second from right, with GymNation's Ant Martland, Frank Afeaki and Loren Holland. Photo: GymNation

British boxing champ Amir Khan will launch his first boxing academy in the Middle East in partnership with UAE gym chain GymNation.

Classes conducted by Amir Khan Academy, set to launch later in October, will feature several daily coaching sessions and focus on the physical, mental and social benefits of the sport.

Specially designed classes for people of determination will also be conducted, GymNation said.

“Whilst spending a lot of time in the UAE, my focus has been on working to create a pathway that will further develop grass roots boxing across the region,” Khan, a former two-time world boxing champion and Olympic silver medallist said.

“Our coaches and class participants will have access to world-class facilities, that not only allow them to focus on the technical aspects of boxing, but also provide them the opportunity to develop their strength and fitness. I’m really excited to get started and unlock the vast potential of the future generation of UAE-based boxers.”

Khan, who splits his time between Bolton in Greater Manchester, where he was born, and Dubai, was named president of the newly formed World Boxing Council's (WBC) Middle East Boxing Council in 2020. In April, he revealed he's bought a holiday home in District One, Mohammed Bin Rashid City in Dubai.

"Bought a dream car and holiday home in Dubai for my family and I. God has been kind. Sixteen years in the sport. Hard work [and] dedication pays off," he shared on social media.

Khan announced he was moving to the UAE in September 2018.

“I’ve tried to keep it a secret, but I thought it would be a good change. I’ll still be going back and forth between Bolton and Dubai, but I want to do a lot more in Dubai,” he said at the OJ Lifestyle brand launch.

“Maybe one day we could have a boxing arena in the Coca-Cola Arena. Moving here is definitely a challenge, but also an opportunity to open more doors for boxing in Dubai.”

GymNation, which first opened in 2017, now operates seven branches across the UAE.

"We are looking forward to working with Amir and his coaches and together building a strong youth boxing community across the UAE," Loren Holland, chief executive and founder of GymNation, said.

Those interested can register for a free class here.

Amir Khan with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, in December 2019. The boxer hinted at 'big things happening in Abu Dhabi'. Instagram / Amir Khan

Amir Khan poses with his Porsche 911 in Dubai's District One, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, in April 2021. Instagram / Amir Khan

Amir Khan shares a photo of his new holiday home in Dubai's District One, Mohammed Bin Rashid City. The property is worth an estimated Dh10.5 million. Instagram / Amir Khan

Amir Khan flies Emirates to Dubai with his three childen, Lamaisah, Alayna and Muhammad, on April 1, 2021. Instagram / Amir Khan

Amir Khan attends the 2020 Dubai Globe Soccer Awards with footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in December 2020. Instagram / Amir Khan

Amir Khan poses outside his new Dubai holiday home in District One, Mohammed Bin Rashid City in December 2020. Instagram / Amir Khan

Amir Khan at Saif Ahmad Belhasa's Fame Park in December 2020. Instagram / Amir Khan

Amir Khan speaking at the Rising Stars event held at the Fairmont The Palm hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai in December 2020. Pawan Singh / The National

Amir Khan jetskiing with a Burj Al Arab backdrop in November 2019. Instagram / Amir Khan

Amir Khan at popular Dubai burger truck Salt at Kite Beach in September 2020. Instagram / Amir Khan

Amir Khan at Dubai's Kite Beach in September 2020. Instagram / Amir Khan

Amir Khan at the OJ Lifestyle launch at Coca-Cola Arena in September 2018. Supplied

Amir Khan said he had 'holiday vibes' while staying at Jumeirah Al Naseem in July 2020. Instagram / Amir Khan

Amir Khan jet skis with friends Pablo and Waseem with a Dubai Marina backdrop. Instagram / Amir Khan

Amir Khan with wife Faryal Makhdoom at Jumeirah Al Naseem in June 2018. Instagram / Amir Khan

Amir Khan is photographed at the now-closed 360 Lounge at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai in July 2015. Sarah Dea / The National