Father-To-Be Amir Khan Has Found New Inspiration To Succeed

Amir Khan is about to experience the most exciting moments of his personal and professional life, and they have him pumped up ahead of his match at ONE: CALL TO GREATNESS.

The Singaporean is set to take on Ariel “Tarzan” Sexton in the opening round of the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix on 22 February, and he is about to become a father for the first time.

It seems like there should be a lot of pressure on the young man’s shoulders, but to hear him tell it, the 24-year old is taking his next challenge in the ring and the birth of his son in his stride.

“I know this is a time people will take a break, or try not to do too many things, but I like to keep my life the same,” Khan says.

“It’s not too bad. Some days are tough, but overall, I feel good. It’s not a big issue.

“I’m just super happy in my life right now. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

While the anticipation grows awaiting his son’s arrival, Khan says he has maintained his intense training schedule at Evolve to prepare for his quarter-final match at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Though he may sacrifice some of his time outside of training to care for his expectant wife, he explains that he is approaching this encounter with the Costa Rican submission specialist in the same way as any other.

“Some people say a baby gives you more motivation and stuff but the fight game, I’m doing it mostly for myself,” Khan explains.

“I’ve been doing [martial arts] for a long time. I’ve been training for the last 10 years, and mostly doing it for myself, but it gives me more love in the house.

“I don’t think it’s a big motivation but it brings good energy. I don’t want to say I can do this because of the baby.”

Khan may not allow his personal life to affect his performance in the ring or cage, but he can barely contain his enthusiasm when he talks about the imminent arrival of his first-born.

As much as he loves competing in front thousands of fans in an arena, and millions watching around the world, the lightweight knockout artist says he is even more excited right now because of the joy he is feeling.

“I feel the baby gives me more excitement. I’m excited about the fight, but I fight four times a year,” Khan says.

“A baby is just something new. When I think about it, it just gets me more excited because I’ve never done that before.”

He has also not been able to help thinking about how he will raise his son when he comes into the world.

As a man who has gained so much from more than a decade in martial arts, Khan is keen to support his little boy if he decides to step onto the mats when he is old enough.

“I definitely want to groom him to be a [martial artist] if he wants to pursue that,” Khan says.

“I’ll be very excited to go with him on that journey. I’ll be the best person to guide him because I’ve been through everything.”

With the days dwindling down until his return to action, Khan is well prepared for the battle ahead with Sexton, and he is confident of getting the win that will take him into the semi-finals to face Ev “E.T.” Ting or Saygid “Dagi” Guseyn Arslanaliev, who will also meet at ONE: CALL TO GREATNESS.

While he says nothing has changed in terms of his desire to succeed, he admits there is an extra thought in the back of his mind that will push him on when he steps under the lights.

He wants to make his son proud of him.

“I want my son to say, ‘My daddy is a World Champion,’” Khan says.

“That’s on my mind. It’s just a small factor that just adds to my inspiration.

“I just picture him already. It just gives me so much joy and excitement. It puts a big smile on my face.”