AMIR Khan has asked for help from two-time Olympic champion Mario Kindelan as he looks to launch his professional boxing career.

The former Bury ABC fighter visited the legendary Cuban in Havana this week, hoping to finalise a deal which could see Kindelan work on Khan's training team.

Although Communist Cuba is fiercely opposed to professional sport, it is expected Kindelan will be given permission to work alongside the 18-year-old, who is expected to kick his pro career off against Londoner David Bailey on July 16.

Humberto Rodriguez, president of Cuba's National Institute for Sport, said no official approach had been made for Kindelan's services, but any request would be looked upon favourably.

He said: "I wouldn't be surprised if the request were made and it was granted.

"We could consider it. We are not saying no, or yes."

Three-time World Champion Kindelan officially announced his retirement after Khan defeated him at the Reebok Stadium in May, and they developed a good relationship after facing each other on two other occasions in the amateur ranks - including the Olympic final in Athens.

Khan was in Cuba as a guest of Virgin Atlantic Airways, but will soon return home to begin training for his first professional fight at the Bolton Arena.

His expected opponent, 24-year-old southpaw Bailey, has lost four of his seven professional fights and is ranked 367th in the Super Featherweight ranks by BoxRec.com.

Bailey won his last fight, comfortably beating fellow Londoner Warren Dunkley over four rounds in Southwark on May 20.

He is managed by Eugene Maloney, brother of Frank, who helped launch the career of Lennox Lewis and Scott Harrison.

Khan will also be at the Trafford Centre on Saturday, engaging in his first-ever public workout.

The workout will begin at 1pm on the main stage in the Orient sector, and will be preceded by workouts by other local fighters, Michael Jennings and Steve Foster Jnr.