KNOCKOUT gran Ada Gibson welcomed a very special guest into her Clayton-le-Moors home on Wednesday — her idol and boxing legend Amir Khan.
After discovering that 92-year-old Ada was the boxer’s biggest – and probably oldest – fan, the Observer fixed it for the lovable pensioner to meet up with the Bolton-born superstar, who took time out from his busy training schedule.
Ada was gob-smacked when the 22-year-old Olympic and Commonwealth lightweight champ knocked on her front door in Grange Street.
She said: "I can’t believe it. You are such a lovely boy. Look at your teeth, they are so nice."
Khan, whose mum Falak joined him on the visit, brought along a pair of signed boxing gloves as a gift for Ada and said: "You better not knock me out with those gloves."
Speaking in Ada’s front room, Khan told the Observer: "This is the first time I have been to Accrington.
"I think Ada must be one of my oldest fans, it’s been brilliant meeting her.
"I think she is great and I can’t believe how active she is. She has been fun and she is probably one of the biggest fans I have.
"I have been training today but I took time out to come and say hello to Ada.
"She even gave me a few tips, telling me to keep my guard up with my left hand."
Ada, who has raised money for numerous charities with sponsored swims at Mercer Hall Baths, was previously given a signed poster of Khan as part of Hyndburn Community Network’s fittest over-50 awards.
Khan’s manager Asif Vali joked that he would buy it off Ada for a tenner.
She told him: "We are not well off but I wouldn’t give you that poster for £1 million."
During the 30-minute visit Khan agreed to speak to Ada’s daughter Barbara on the phone and her son Peter was given a signed photo.
As Khan prepared to leave with his entourage, Ada said: "I can’t give you money but I can give you lots of love.
"Never mind about courting and girls. Don’t let them take all your money. Listen to what I am telling you.
"In that ring never you mind waiting until the 12th round. You knock ’em out in the third, you whip ’em — wham, wham!
"I am 93 the day after your next fight so for goodness sake win. You’ll be in my memory forever."
At the end of the visit Khan and his crew strolled off along Grange Street and Ada waved and shouted after them: "Bye – next time you come I will make you some parkin. You’ll love my parkin."
