.svg)
LeadA ferocious public and legal war has erupted between former unified world boxing champion Amir Khan and the operators of his £12 million luxury wedding venue, "The Balmayna," plunging the plans of prospective brides and grooms into chaos. The conflict, which exploded onto social media in late January 2026, sees the Bolton-born sports star urging the public to halt bookings immediately, alleging millions in unpaid rent and serious safety violations—claims the operators vehemently deny, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.
The "Dream" Project Turns Into a Nightmare- The dispute centers on "The Balmayna," a lavish, glass-fronted banquet hall in Bolton described as Khan's legacy project for his hometown. Intended to be a glittering jewel in the North West’s wedding industry, the venue has instead become the ring for Khan’s latest fight outside the ropes.
In a scathing public intervention, Khan took to X (formerly Twitter) to warn consumers directly. He alleged that the venue's operators, Excellency Group, led by director Mohammad Jaberansari, have failed to pay rent for nearly three years following an initial 18-month rent-free grace period. Even more alarmingly, Khan claimed that critical safety infrastructure remains incomplete, specifically stating that a main passenger lift is sitting in storage rather than being installed. He argues this makes the use of the upper floors and rooftop terrace a breach of safety regulations.
Khan’s message to his millions of followers was stark and unprecedented for a landlord discussing his own property: "We advise anyone who has booked the wedding to hold off until this issue is resolved... I would not want you to risk losing your money or deposits."
Operators Hit Back: "Malicious and Defamatory"- The response from Excellency Group was swift and combative. In a formal statement released across The Balmayna’s social channels, the management branded Khan’s allegations as "misinformed, baseless, malicious, and defamatory." They sought to distance the boxing star from the business side of the venue entirely, stating unequivocally that Amir Khan has "no involvement whatsoever" in the daily management or ownership of the operating company.
Excellency Group insists the venue is fully operational, financially secure, and safe for all guests. They have characterized the public outburst as a tactic in a "private landlord-tenant issue" that should have remained behind closed doors. Despite Khan’s warnings, the operators are urging clients not to panic or cancel, promising that it is business as usual at the Bolton hall.
Daily Dazzling Dawn Analysis: The Man Behind the Headlines- To understand why this business dispute has captured the nation's attention, one must look at the turbulent and high-profile life of Amir Khan himself. This is not just a landlord complaining about rent; it is the latest chapter in the life of a figure who has lived in the public glare since he was a teenager.
From Olympic Glory to Global Stardom- Amir Khan is arguably one of the most recognizable British athletes of the 21st century. Born and raised in Bolton to a British-Pakistani family with roots in the Punjab region, Khan burst onto the scene at the 2004 Athens Olympics. At just 17, he won a silver medal, becoming Britain's youngest boxing Olympic medalist and an instant national hero. He parlayed this success into a glittering professional career, becoming a unified light-welterweight world champion and earning an estimated net worth of over £30 million.
A Life of Controversy- However, Khan’s career has frequently been overshadowed by controversy, making this latest public spat consistent with his headline-grabbing history.
The Doping Scandal: Khan’s professional reputation took a severe hit after his 2022 fight against Kell Brook. A post-fight test revealed the presence of ostarine, a banned performance-enhancing substance. Although an independent tribunal accepted that the ingestion was "unintentional," Khan was slapped with a two-year ban from all sports, which only expired in April 2024.
Family Feuds: Khan’s personal life has often played out like a soap opera. In 2016 and 2017, a bitter public feud erupted between his wife, Faryal Makhdoom, and his parents. The row involved allegations of bullying and resulted in Khan briefly splitting from his wife and firing his father as his manager, before the family eventually reconciled.
Scandals: The boxer has also weathered various "sexting" scandals and accusations of infidelity over the years, all of which were dissected by the tabloids.
The "Legacy" Problem-The Balmayna was supposed to be Khan's way of giving back to Bolton and securing his financial future post-boxing. Yet, the project has been fraught with issues from the start. Construction took nearly a decade, with costs ballooning from an estimated £3.2 million to over £12 million. In 2021, Khan even claimed that £5 million had "gone missing" during the build. His admission in late 2024 that he "didn't know how to run a wedding hall" and his failed attempt to sell the venue for £12.5 million foreshadowed the current administrative chaos.
What This Means for Consumers-For couples planning their big day, this battle between a celebrity landlord and a venue operator creates a precarious situation. While no official closure orders have been issued by Bolton Council regarding the alleged safety breaches, the reputational warfare creates uncertainty. Legal experts advise that while the dispute is currently a civil commercial matter, customers should ensure their wedding insurance is comprehensive and covers supplier disputes.
As of late January 2026, the venue remains open, but with Khan vowing to take legal action to reclaim his property and the operators digging in their heels, the final bell has yet to ring on this bout.
