By Phil Gordos BBC Sport in Athens

Maybe I'll win gold at the next Olympics Khan on Kindelan Report: Khan loses to Kindelan Background: Route to final Photos: Khan's bid for gold

British boxing sensation Amir Khan is being urged to shun a big-money move to the professional ranks, despite winning a silver medal at the Olympics.

The 17-year-old from Bolton caught the eye of a string of promoters in Athens, despite losing the lightweight final to Cuban master Mario Kindelan.

But former Olympic bronze medallist and ex-WBC super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall says Khan should remain an amateur until the 2008 Games in Beijing.

"He's too young to turn pro," Woodhall told BBC Sport.

"I know it will be hard for him to turn down the money if a promoter comes along and offers him a lot of cash, but he should wait."

Woodhall revealed that he spoke to Khan before the Olympics began, giving him advice about what to expect in Athens as well as talking about his future plans.

The BBC commentator has since become one of Khan's biggest fans after seeing him blaze a trail to the lightweight final with a succession of impressive displays.

Nevertheless, Woodhall feels Khan has plenty of time to realise his boxing dreams without rushing to ditch his amateur status.

"I know he wants to turn pro eventually," said Woodhall.

AMIR KHAN'S RAPID RISE Born: 8 December 1986 Lives: Bolton Hero: Muhammad Ali Achievements: 2003 - Gold at Junior Olympics 2004 - Gold at European Championships and World Junior Championships 2004 - Wins Strandja Cup to qualify for Olympics 2004 - Beats Marios Kaperonis, Dimitar Stilianov and Jong Sub Baik and Serik Yeleuov to earn a silver medal Profile: Amir's road to Athens

"It's the ultimate dream of every amateur. But Amir will still be only 21 in Beijing."

Given Khan's meteoric rise and the huge interest he has generated back home, it may be hard for him to resist an offer to become professional.

His profile is at an all-time high and he may want to capitalise on that now rather than wait another four years.

Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield also suggested that Khan would be well served staying amateur until the Beijing Olympics of 2008.

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