Amir Khan's Next Opponent To Be Decided Within 10 Days For July Bout.

Lazarus · May 19, 2010

Source:http://www.sportinglife.com/boxing/...ME=boxing/10/05/19/BOXING_Khan_Nightlead.html

VIDEO IS HERE: http://www.espn.co.uk/espn/sport/story/23570.html

Khan talks about his next bout and also said some words for Mitchell.

Amir Khan insists he is ready to fight again as early as July and hopes to find out in the next 10 days if he will be doing so.

Khan made a successful defence of his WBA light-welterweight title at the weekend against New Yorker Paulie Malignaggi at Madison Square Garden, claiming an impressive 11th-round victory on what was his debut fight in the United States.

Attention has already shifted to the 23-year-old's next bout, with Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Khan's promoters Golden Boy, saying he would like to get the Bolton fighter back in the ring in the UK by the end of July before a return to the USA later in the year.

Khan has confirmed his approval of the plan, which will allow him to fight on home soil before the start of Ramadan in August.

Asked if he thought July might be too soon to fight again, Khan said: "I think it's perfect to be honest.

"I trained hard and in the (Malignaggi) fight I don't think I took much punishment. It was quite easy and I didn't take too many big shots.

"Being young, I think I can afford to have less of a break and jump in this fight quite soon.

"Freddie (Roach, Khan's trainer) is happy to do that, so we will see how it goes. First we'll have to get an opponent right, and then we can get a fight on.

"I'm looking towards the end of July because of Ramadan. I want to do my fasts and go away and do my pilgrimage this year.

"I want to get one (a fight) before then, so I can have a long break, relax and then maybe fight again around November or December.

"I'm looking at that at the moment, but it just depends on opponents. There are a few I'm looking at, so it's whether or not they are available to fight at that time. Hopefully, I think it will be in the next 10 days that I find out.

"I'd like to have it in the UK, but I'd love to go back to the States again.

"Some fighters don't like fighting away from home but with me, I can fight anywhere - just put me in a boxing ring, I love fighting."

Khan is considering a range of potential opponents for his next contest, including Argentina's Marcos Maidana - who was mandatory challenger prior to the fight with Malignaggi - and Australian Michael Katsidis, who would require a move up in weight.

Katsidis was also in action at the weekend in the lightweight division, dismantling Dagenham's Kevin Mitchell at Upton Park inside three rounds.

Mitchell afterwards said his preparations had not gone perfectly in the build-up to the bout, and Khan - who suffered his only professional defeat with a first-round knockout at the hands of Breidis Prescott in 2008 - believes his fellow British fighter will bounce back stronger for the experience.

"I have seen a few clips and the best man won the fight," said Khan.

"It seems Kevin went into the fight not prepared. Katsidis is a tough fighter, very durable, and you saw what happened on the night

"I have heard that his preparation and training in the camp wasn't right and he had a lot of problems before the fight.

"That was a massive fight for him that would have made him a big star, especially in the States because Katsidis is a big name. But I'm sure he will learn from that and bounce back stronger.

"For him to come back I think he needs to beat another big name - someone like John Murray - in Britain and then that will put him back up to where he needs to be.

"He needs to get in the gym, train hard and forget about the defeat.
"I remember being defeated and coming back - it is tough and he needs to get his confidence back up.

"I think it won't be too hard for him and he is still young. But he needs to get focussed, keep winning and make no more mistakes."
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Uncle Rico · May 19, 2010

Hmmm interesting stuff. I'd like to see him take one more quick fight here in the UK, preferably against Katisidis!

Good to hear him have a few words of encouragement for Mitchell. It makes me think now, their trash-talking of one another before their respective bouts was probably planned. I bet both teams were banking on each other to win to set up a big UK clash in July. But unfortunately for them, Katsidis decided to tear up the script.

SiccSense · May 19, 2010

Good encouraging words for Mitchell, that's more like it.

Lazarus · May 19, 2010

Uncle Rico said: ↑

Hmmm interesting stuff. I'd like to see him take one more quick fight here in the UK, preferably against Katisidis!

Good to hear him have a few words of encouragement for Mitchell. It makes me think now, their trash-talking of one another before their respective bouts was probably planned. I bet both teams were banking on each other to win to set up a big UK clash in July. But unfortunately for them, Katsidis decided to tear up the script.
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Definetly. I think Khan-Mitchell was in play and Warren knew it. That's probably why he was so pissed off. He knew a fight with Khan meant big money. Would easily have filled the O2 or MEN.

I wonder who will be the opponent. Eager for news.

PH|LLA · May 19, 2010

I think it'll be Katsidis

wellsini · May 19, 2010

PH|LLA said: ↑

I think it'll be Katsidis
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Khan better get a ****ing metal implant in his face if he's fighting Katsidis

MK will plant Khan so far into the mat if he connects he will still be picking himself up three weeks later

uglyandproud7 · May 19, 2010

That be great and I think Id favor Katsidis for the upset. Sadly I wouldnt be surprised if they offered the fight to Morales

Lazarus · May 19, 2010

wellsini said: ↑

Khan better get a ****ing metal implant in his face if he's fighting Katsidis

MK will plant Khan so far into the mat if he connects he will still be picking himself up three weeks later
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Let's hope he doesn't. Will be a great fight. I hope it happens in the UK O2 Arena.

Khan can outbox him with his height and arm reach and possibly stop him. Katsidis leaves himself open and has been put down times before. I pick Khan to win.

Stinky gloves · May 19, 2010

10 days!!! shame on him, he should have his new opponent training already!

Lazarus · May 19, 2010

Stinky gloves said: ↑

10 days!!! shame on him, he should have his new opponent training already!
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:huh

Uncle Oden · May 19, 2010

realistically it's probably not going to be a big name. I think a rematch with Prescott would be perfect.

Toontoon · May 19, 2010

I think it would be better for him to fight Prescott even if Katsidis is a better boxer.

Lazarus · May 19, 2010

Toontoon said: ↑

I think it would be better for him to fight Prescott even if Katsidis is a better boxer.
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Agreed. Plus it would win back some of the fans that Khan lost.

robpalmer135 · May 19, 2010

reckon it will be Prescott. the fight would sell in UK.

RJD · May 19, 2010

From a marketing standpoint, I think Khan/Prescott would do far better numbers.

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