WHAT a year 2004 has been for Amir Khan writes David Magilton

In just 12 months, the Bury teenage boxing sensation has rocketed from nowhere to become one of the most famous sportsmen in the country.

It was in the August heat of Athens that the Heaton student produced a dazzling display of boxing to clinch a silver medal in the lightweight division at the Olympics.

The incredible way in which Great Britain's lone Olympic boxing representative dominated his opponents made him an immediate hit with the public - who watched the television coverage in their millions. They were mesmerised by the young Bolton "unknown" with the dancing feet, lightning punches and appealing personality.

The teenager had to be satisfied with a silver medal, however, after he lost the final to Cuba's three-times world champion Mario Kindelan, twice a gold medallist.

Khan had hoped he could spring a surprise and spoil the unbeaten Kindelan's retirement party, but sadly, it was not to be, as the Cuban turned on the style and produced a masterful display to win by eight points. Nevertheless, Khan returned home to a hero's welcome and is feted everywhere he goes. He has met the Queen, Tony Blair, leading television and sports stars and been invited to a long list of functions.

It has been a whirlwind ride for the former Smithills High School pupil, who has turned his back on several lucrative offers to turn professional in order to catch up with his studies and pass his driving test.

Yet all the success could have been thwarted by rules and regulations.

It took a lot of arm-twisting and persuasion to get the Bury Boxing Club star to the Olympics. ABA rules stated that only 18-year-olds can fight at senior level, even though international rules allow fighters aged 17.

Pakistan and the USA were both ready to ensure he would be eligible to fight for them, and it appeared to force the ABA's hand.

They relented and Khan's impressive performances in his opening bouts at senior level were enough for him to reach the qualifiers.

After losing at his first attempt in controversial circumstances involving the scoring, Khan won a second qualifying event to book his place in Athens. Before that he insisted, against his GB coaches' wishes, on flying out to South Korea to add a world junior title to his burgeoning list of successes.

Speculation abounds, however, as to how long Khan can turn his back on the posse of promoters beating a path to his door and remain in the amateur ranks.

The ABA have offered him a four-year deal to remain an amateur until the next Olympics in Beijing, but nothing will be rushed.

Under the guiding hand of his father, Shajaad, the teenager will only make up his mind after competing in the ABA and world championships.

The boxer turned 18 at the beginning of December and still has only 15 senior bouts under his belt. Khan knows he needs to mature both as a fighter and a man before he takes on the pros. How long that process will take is the unknown factor.

Immediately after the Olympics, Khan said: "I want to stay amateur until I'm 21. I want to be more mature and stronger for the next Olympics and I hope that I'll win gold. And then I've got an idea to turn professional and I'll be a lot stronger."

He has changed his tune a little and now says he will wait and see what the situation is after the 2005 world championships.

Promoter Frank Warren summed up the family's dilemma when he said: "Certainly he can earn a lot of money. By the age of 21, he could have more than £1 million in the bank."

With that kind of carrot dangling in front of him, it is not surprising Khan does not want to make firm commitments to remain amateur.

Khan says his long-term aim is to be a world champion and as famous as Muhammad Ali.

If he continues to progress at this rate, it will not be too long before he makes his dream a reality.