IMRAN `MAGIC’ KHAN is currently an ambivalent boxer and with just a day left before the start of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) National Open Championships, Khan is undecided whether to defend his national lightweight title or to move down one division to make it a miserable competition for other bantamweights. 

Certainly he cannot compete in both divisions but if pushed, what would be his decision?
“I think I would have to go with the lightweight. I can easily make bantamweight but last year I moved up to lightweight and won that title. I think that I’ll defend that title,” said Khan.
The 21-year-old Khan had ruled the bantamweight division for some time but decided to make a step up to the lightweight division last year and surprised the nation with back-to-back defeats on former lightweight king, old Steffon Gouveia.
“I feel really good knowing that I can fight in two divisions. I am strong as a bantamweight and stronger as a lightweight,” the Albouystown resident who started boxing at 8 years old, declared, while adding that he is the tallest fighter in the lighter category.
Back then, he was being groomed by James `Sack’ Walcott at the Harpy Eagles Gym and later became a bronze medallist at the 2011 ALBA Games, stocking up on a wealth of experience, having represented Guyana at several major international competitions including the Commonwealth Games and the World Championship.
He recently joined the Guyana Police Force and will be representing that institution at the National Open.
“My goal is to win at the National Open and to be a little more focused on my training so that next year I can be on the team to the Pan Am Games. Of course, my main goal is to make it to the Olympics but I’ll be taking it one competition at a time.“
Should Khan stick to the decision to campaign as a lightweight, then a collision with Clairmont Gibson of the Guyana Defence Force looms.
“I have no problem with fighting Gibson. I have beaten him before and can do it again. I am just focused on being crowned champion at the National Open then taking it from there. I just have to move out whoever is in my way,” Khan declared.
The GABA National Open is a three-day affair which punches off tomorrow under floodlights at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre ground and will see over 50 boxers represent eight gyms from around the country.