BURY boxer Amir Khan can be bigger than Audley Harrison, Ricky Hatton and Prince Naseem Hamed.

That is the startling claim made by British Amateur Boxing Association chief Paul King after witnessing Khan's explosion into the international spotlight.

The 16-year-old made light work of clinching the 60kg crown at the European Cadet Championships in Lithuania last week, deposing the world number two on his way to the title.

The British champion's efforts not only earned him the tournament's Best Boxer prize but also the coveted Ahmert Comert Cup, awarded to Europe's most outstanding junior of the year.

"Amir's achievements have surpassed what any 16 or 17-year-old British boxer has ever done," said a thrilled King of the youngster who fights for Bury ABC.

The ABA director of development, who doubled as England team manager for the championships, has worked with hundreds of the hottest home grown talents, guiding Olympic gold medallist Harrison and WBU world light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton through their teenage amateur days.

And, after monitoring Khan's progress for nearly six years, he is certain he has what it takes to become a British boxing legend.

"I have watched his progress very carefully and seen him win every major junior title," he said.

"I have seen so many kids come through at this rate of knots but to transfer that on to the international stage is a hard thing to do. I have never seen anyone do that as easily as Amir.

"He's already much further on than Audley or Ricky were at his age and they were late developers. So he has plenty of time on his side.

"I have never seen any kid with such an eye for a shot as him. The only one I've ever seen who can find the opening and finish off as well as he does is Naseem Hamed. He's got the ability to throw shots from all angles."

To gain world recognition, Amir will undoubtedly need to turn professional at some stage of his career.

And King is already plotting his route to stardom, tipping him for Olympic glory in China in 2008.

"I think he's got a great chance of winning gold in Beijing. He could go anywhere if he maintains this level of commitment," he said.

"From here he will work to a five-year plan. Winning the Olympics would then be the perfect time for him to turn professional. From there he can dictate how much money he earns and reach the top of the tree."