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SQUARING UP: Mick Farrell takes on Amir Khan in the two-round charity bout yesterday

SPORTS psychologist Mick Farrell had his work cut out when he stepped into the ring to trade blows with Commonwealth boxing champion Amir Khan.

The Bolton boxing sensation showed off his super-fast punching skills when he took part in the two-round charity bout at the Kia car dealership on the Middlebrook Retail Park yesterday.

Scores of fans turned up to meet their hero, who posed for photographs and signed autographs before he began his warm-up to the Rocky theme tune.

After a spot of shadow boxing with trainer Oliver Harrison he took to the ring to exchange gentle jabs with volunteer Mick Farrell - a gym owner and sports psychologist for the Wigan Warriors rugby team.

Farrell, aged 30, originally from Harwood, said after his two rounds: "It was fantastic. He is unbelievably quick.

"His speed is phenomenal. I got a few in but only because he let me. I had a brilliant time though. He is a really top bloke."

Amir said: "He was a good lad, I enjoyed it. It was his first time in the ring and he said that it wasn't as easy as it looks. I gave him a few chances as well."

The bout was organised to help raise cash for Inter Care which provides medical aid for clinics in Africa.

KNOCKOUT: Amir Khan with the car donated by the Kia dealership. The vehicle will be used to help get youngsters to the boxer's gym

The event raised £1,500 which will help run a single clinic for one year. The dealership also donated a new Sedona car to Khan's Gloves Community Gym, in Prince Street, Bolton.

It will allow the centre to bring children to the gym who would otherwise not have the chance.

Khan added: "I just want to get kids off the streets and into the gym and boxing.

I want to find the next Amir Khan."

11:48am Monday 18th February 2008

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