Haroon Khan has already assured himself a medal in the Commonwealth Games, something the younger brother of WBA world champion Amir Khan wouldn't have had the chance to do if he hadn't switched his allegiance to Pakistan after being snubbed by England selectors.
The 19-year-old Haroon Khan beat Andrew Selby of Wales on a countback after their 52-kilogram division quarterfinal finished at 3-3 on Saturday.
''This is what I wanted to do - get a medal and beat a lad from the Britain podium squad. I've done that and proved them wrong,'' Haroon told British reporters. ''It is more important than the medal.''
Selby had beaten England's Tommy Stubbs in an earlier round, meaning there's no British boxer left in the division.
''My job was to come here and prove the selectors wrong and I've done that,'' Khan said. ''I've got a medal at 52-kilograms and the British lad hasn't got it.''
Khan and Selby each scored a point in all three rounds of a bout that failed to produce much fast-pace action.
''I thought his (Selby's) technique was good and that is why it was difficult to score,'' said Khan, who is using the Commonwealth Games to launch his international career. ''I am looking forward to the Asian Games next month and there is always the prospect of the Olympics.''
Before turning pro, Amir Khan won an Olympic gold medal at the 2004 Athens Games, where he was the only British boxer competing.
Haroon Khan said he hoped his performance here for Pakistan, where he father was lived until migrating to England in 1970, would send a signal to England selectors.
''My message to the selectors is to keep their eyes open because there is so much talent out there in England,'' he said, before adding that he was looking forward to feedback in his next telephone call with older brother, Amir.
Next up is a semifinal against Asian champion Suranjoy Singh of India on Monday.
''I have watched him and know that he is a good boxer. It is going to be a tough round, but as of now, I have reached where I wanted to.''
Singh, on the other hand, had higher aims after his impressive 9-2 win over Mohammad Subrie of Malaysia.
''I will only be happy with a gold medal because being assured of a medal has no meaning to me,'' said Singh, who showed superb movement and quick counter-attacks in his win.
''I was expecting a closer fight today but am prepared to work harder in the coming days in my effort to win gold,'' he said. Singh last year became the first Indian winner of an Asian championship gold in 15 years.
