At just 25-years-old, Amir Khan is already one of the top lightweights in Asia.
The Singaporean martial arts sensation achieved this feat through an incredible work ethic and warrior spirit.
Throughout his life, Khan had a strong father figure to serve as a role model, but he also found exemplars of hard work on the silver screen.
The young lion shares the three movies that inspired him on his journey to becoming the republic’s first homegrown mixed martial arts World Champion.
The Lord Of The Rings
Even after 20 years, J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy The Lord Of The Rings still holds up in pop culture today as one of the greatest movie trilogies ever made.
“Since I was young, I was really fascinated by the storyline,” Khan said. “The special effects might feel a little dated watching it right now, but back then it was the bomb.”
The story of a hobbit’s quest to save Middle Earth personified the typical underdog story for Khan.
“I get personally and emotionally connected to these characters,” he said. “It takes you on a journey where you just have to root for [Frodo] because everyone relates to the underdog.”
“No one expected him to survive, but he just followed his heart and got what he wanted. I embrace that attitude in my life.”
The Pursuit Of Happyness
Gabriele Muccino’s 2006 biographical adaptation of Chris Gardner’s memoir tells the story of a homeless salesman sinking into poverty and his struggle to keep his family afloat.
The Evolve representative loved Will Smith’s portrayal of Gardner in the movie and became an instant fan.
“Whenever he plays a character, I feel for that character,” he said. “Smith has a way, whether he’s playing a badass action hero or a poor father in this case who’s trying to make ends meet for his son.”
Khan, who shares a close bond with his father and was moved by Smith’s acting in The Pursuit Of Happyness, believes the actor’s natural charisma contributes to his universal appeal.
“He has starred in so many movies, which really shows how good he is,” Khan said. “He goes with the flow, he has a passion for what he wants to do and that speaks directly to me, since I am very passionate about martial arts as well.”
The Wolf Of Wall Street
In one of the most famous scenes in The Wolf Of Wall Street, Jordan Belfort addresses his legion of stockbrokers, articulating the art of the hard sell in an aggressive yet masterful pitch.
The movie is a fine portrait of high finance and the downfall of many a ruthless salesman, and it reunited Hollywood titans Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Khan was enthralled by DiCaprio’s performances and appreciates the actor’s fiery passion in the movie.
“There’s a certain magnetism about Leo,” he said. “I’ve watched that movie about 10 times and Belfort was really passionate in what he believed.”
Having shot to superstardom on the global stage himself, Khan identifies with the themes in Belfort’s journey to success.
“He had a long stretch where he wasn’t making any dough, then he suddenly found this huge idea,” Khan continued. “That reminded me of when I finally found what I was good at.”
“He founded his own company and he became really passionate at what he wanted to do with his life. Even though he can be a little crude and evil, it is the energy and passion that really defined his character and his story ultimately.”
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