Amir Khan keen to represent Pakistan at Olympic Games in Rio

Amir Khan says he would welcome the opportunity to fight for Pakistan in Rio

Amir Khan says he "would love" to fight for Pakistan at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Khan's comments came after the International Boxing Association (AIBA) announced on Wednesday that professional boxers would be allowed to compete in Brazil this summer.

Bolton-born Khan shot to fame after winning a lightweight silver medal for Great Britain at the 2004 Olympics in Athens as a 17-year-old.

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Khan subsequently turned professional and in 2009 outpointed Andriy Kotelnik to win the WBA world super-lightweight title.

The 29-year-old - whose most recent fight ended in a brutal knockout defeat to WBC middleweight champion Saúl Álvarez - hailed the ruling by boxing's governing body.

"It's a decision which I welcome," Khan said at a press conference in Karachi.

Khan represented Great Britain at the 2004 Olympics in Greece

"It will help boxers and if I am permitted as per rules and from my promoter then I would love to compete for Pakistan. I will be very happy if I can compete in the Olympics. I want to serve Pakistan."

Khan's father, Shah, hails from a village close to the capital Islamabad but migrated to Britain, where Amir was born in 1986.

Pakistan Boxing Federation secretary Iqbal Hussain said he was thrilled at the prospect of Khan representing the country.

"I have to check the rules whether Amir can compete or not but it would be a huge boost for us if it happens because he is our hero," he said.

Khan's younger brother, Haroon, was blocked from representing Pakistan at the 2012 London Olympics as he had represented Great Britain at junior level.