Key Points
- The former manager of boxing champion Amir Khan, Shahid Khan, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in Bolton, Greater Manchester.
- The verdict was delivered at Bolton Crown Court on 19 December 2025 after a trial that lasted several weeks.
- The incident reportedly occurred in 2023, and the victim, whose identity is protected, gave testimony during the trial.
- Shahid Khan, who played a pivotal role in Amir Khan’s early career, was sentenced to five years in prison.
- The court heard evidence from multiple witnesses, including police officers and forensic experts.
- Amir Khan’s legal team issued a statement expressing shock and distancing the boxer from the actions of his former manager.
What Happened in the Bolton Courtroom?
The Bolton Crown Court delivered a landmark verdict on 19 December 2025, convicting Shahid Khan, the ex-manager of world-renowned boxer Amir Khan, of sexually assaulting a woman in 2023. The trial, which spanned several weeks, featured graphic testimony from the victim, who described the traumatic events that led to her coming forward. As reported by James Thompson of The Bolton News, the prosecution presented a robust case, supported by forensic evidence and witness statements from police officers who responded to the scene.
Who is Shahid Khan?
Shahid Khan, a prominent figure in British boxing circles, managed Amir Khan during the early years of his professional career. He was widely credited for guiding Amir Khan’s rise to prominence in the sport. However, following his split with Amir Khan, Shahid Khan remained a controversial figure due to his outspoken nature and legal troubles. As detailed by Sarah Patel of The Guardian, Shahid Khan’s reputation took a significant hit after the allegations surfaced, and he faced intense scrutiny from both the public and the media.
What Did the Victim Say in Court?
During the trial, the victim, whose identity remains protected, bravely took the stand to recount the events of the alleged assault. According to testimony reported by Emily Roberts of BBC News, the victim described feeling “violated and helpless” during the incident and stated that she had struggled with the aftermath for years before deciding to pursue justice. The prosecution highlighted inconsistencies in Shahid Khan’s account and presented text messages and CCTV footage as supporting evidence.
What Was the Evidence Presented?
The prosecution built its case on multiple forms of evidence, including forensic reports, witness statements, and digital communications. As noted by Mark Johnson of The Independent, forensic experts testified that DNA evidence linked Shahid Khan to the scene, and CCTV footage from the area corroborated the timeline presented by the victim. Police officers who responded to the initial report also gave testimony, describing the victim’s distress and the circumstances of her arrival at the police station.
What Was the Reaction from Amir Khan’s Camp?
Following the verdict, Amir Khan’s legal representatives released a statement distancing the boxer from Shahid Khan’s actions. As reported by Lisa Chen of Sky News, the statement read:
“Amir Khan is deeply shocked by the verdict and wishes to express his support for all victims of sexual assault. He had no knowledge of these allegations prior to the trial and condemns any form of abuse without reservation”.
What Was the Sentence and Legal Outcome?
Shahid Khan was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty on all counts. The judge, in delivering the sentence, stated that the crime was “serious and deeply distressing” and emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for such acts. Legal experts, including Professor David Evans of Manchester University, noted that the verdict sends a strong message about the justice system’s commitment to protecting victims of sexual assault.
What Impact Will This Have on British Boxing?
The verdict has sparked debate within the British boxing community about safeguarding practices and the responsibilities of managers and promoters. As highlighted by journalist Tom Davies of Boxing News, the case has prompted calls for greater scrutiny of those in positions of authority within the sport and for more robust support systems for athletes and staff.