BOXING ace Amir Khan has set his sights on next year's Olympic Games after picking up one of boxing's most prestigious awards.

The 16-year-old Bury ABC pugilist picked up the Best Cadet Award for the most impressive young amateur at the Annual British Boxing Awards in Hammersmith recently.

And he has wasted no time in bringing his schedule forward four years in an attempt to reach Athens next summer.

He had only originally planned to gear his preparations towards China in 2008, believing he was too young to enter next year's event.

But a check on Olympic rules has revealed that Khan, who turns 17 in December, just scrapes into the age category required to participate.

"If you are 17, you are classed as a senior and I will have just turned 17 when the qualifiers get underway," he said.

"So I'm just waiting for the England team to get back to me and let me know if they want me to go for it.

"I really want to go to the Olympics because I want the experience so I can be really ready for Beijing. Even if I go and get knocked out in the first round, it will be a massive boost for my career."

Khan has become one of the most respected young boxing talents of his generation, earning plaudits such as 'The next Prince Naseem' after taking the European Championship this summer.

But to receive his award in such esteemed company as Best British Boxer Ricky Hatton, proved one of his finest achievements so far.

"It was a big surprise to win the award and it was a fantastic night for me," he said.

"I have won a few awards before but only local ones. Everyone was at this ceremony -- Ricky Hatton, David Walker. . . everyone.

"I got talking to Ricky afterwards and he was great. He's someone I really admire and look up to.

"Winning the Europeans was my greatest achievement so far but now I want to take on the World Championships next year and, hopefully, the Olympic qualifiers."