LIGHTWEIGHT FINAL Fight: Round by round Reaction: Khan stays amateur Photos: Khan's silver success

The 17-year-old, looking to become the youngest Olympic champion since Floyd Patterson in 1952, took the first round by a point after a cagey opening.

But Kindelan established his dominance in round two, picking off the teenager with supreme counter attacks.

Although Khan closed out in typical aggressive style, he could not stop the Cuban winning a third straight title.

Khan showed no signs of nerves entering the ring to massive support from British fans in the crowd.

It's a shame I didn't beat him, but I tried my best Amir Khan Our man at the fight: Amicable Amir targets Beijing

And he outpunched the division's number one boxer early, before Kindelan started to pick him off.

Khan bounced back to take a share of the final round, stalking his 33-year-old opponent around the ring with menace.

But the damage had already been down by southpaw Kindelan, who now plans to retire unbeaten.

"He's the best boxer I've seen in a long time," said Khan of the Cuban champion.

"It's a shame I didn't beat him, but I tried my best.

Background: Khan's route to the final

"It's been a brilliant two weeks, what I expected, and I won a medal for Great Britain.

"Maybe next Olympics, I'll get the gold medal," said Khan, who pledged to stay amateur until the Beijing Games in 2008.

Sitting at ringside, three-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield paid tribute to the Bolton youngster's ability.

Fantastic effort - hopefully we'll see him in Beijing, get a gold and then take it from there From Kimbo Have your say on Five Live

"It was a great performance - he's got huge potential," said Holyfield.

"How do you expect a 17-year-old to fight that great. He was up against the best."

Holyfield said Khan would be well served staying amateur for four more years.

"He is a very mature 17, but 21 is a great age. I truly believe if you don't rush people in, their chances are better."