Boxing In Britain: Khan vs. Mcloskey April 16 In Manchester For WBA Title

Amir Khan returns home. On Saturday, April 16, at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England, WBA Super Lightweight Champion Amir "King" Khan will defends his title in England for the first time since December of 2009 when he faces unbeaten European champion Paul "Dudey" McCloskey of Northern Ireland.

"I'm thrilled to be coming home to England to defend my title on April 16 and I promise my fans that I will give them a performance they won't forget," said Khan. "McCloskey is a tough contender, so I expect him to be in his best form. I'm in my prime now and I want to make a statement in this fight and show that I am the best super lightweight in the world."

"Fighting for a world championship is a dream come true for me and I'm not about to let it go to waste," said McCloskey. "Khan is a very good fighter and I respect him, but he is beatable and I plan to do just that. I've sacrificed a lot to get here and this is my time."

"This is the fight that the British boxing fans want to see because both fighters are champions and both are going to give their all," said Asif Vali of Khan Promotions. "There will definitely be fireworks on April 16."

"There's nothing like an Amir Khan fight in England and I know the atmosphere is going to be electric on April 16," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions.

"Amir showed great skill and heart in his fight with Maidana in December and he wants to keep that momentum going, but Paul McCloskey is a tough, undefeated challenger who has been waiting for his moment under the bright lights. This one has all the makings of a great fight."

"I am very pleased and excited to be involved in this promotion and I am sure it will be a big success," said Ricky Hatton, President of Hatton Promotions.

Khan vs. McCloskey, a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight Championship bout, is presented by Khan Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Hatton Promotions.

Tickets for Khan vs. McCloskey, priced at £300, £200, £125, £75, £50 and £40, go on sale on Tuesday, February 8 at 1:00 PM GMT. They may be purchased at the M.E.N. Arena Box Office, by calling +44(0)8448478000, or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.men-arena.com.