Legends inspire Khan's US quest

Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard have inspired Amir Khan to take on an American opponent, the 2004 Olympic silver medallist has said.
Khan will fight an as-yet unnamed American at London's ExCel Arena on Saturday 9 December.

The 19-year-old said: "It was wicked to meet Ali - the guy is my hero and I was with him in Louisville.

"Sugar Ray sat down with me and talked about the Olympics. He told me, 'You want to come over and crack America'."


Interview: Amir Khan

Khan's travels since stopping Ryan Barrett in the first round of his last fight involved visiting Mecca for a two-week pilgrimage and then his trip to America.

He said: "I would love to fight over there.

"I want people in America to know who I am, that I'm a good boxer and that I'm going to be a great champion."

Promoter Frank Warren will reveal the identity of Khan's opponent next week.

If Warren's plans come to fruition, it will be Khan's first scheduled eight-round fight.

American broadcasting giants HBO are keen to follow Khan's progress as he aims to take his winning run as a professional into double figures.

Warren said: "HBO have said they will give him the maximum exposure they can and that will hopefully involve a fight in the States," said Warren.

Khan hopes to win his first professional title next year and Warren, keeping his options open, said: "I don't know which title it will be - it depends what's available.

"It could be the British, the Commonwealth or even the English. Amir hasn't fought over eight rounds yet, let alone 10, and the English would give him the opportunity for a 10-rounder."

So is this guy for real or what? I looked him up on box-rec and he's one of the few prospects with green on their resume. He's absent from youtube, which as far as I know is the easiest way to find free boxing vids. Within a few years he'll have to show something to American fans if he wants his star to take hold.

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Originally Posted by a harmful of swallows

So is this guy for real or what? I looked him up on box-rec and he's one of the few prospects with green on their resume. He's absent from youtube, which as far as I know is the easiest way to find free boxing vids. Within a few years he'll have to show something to American fans if he wants his star to take hold.

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we'll have to wait and see....Green is no worldbeater.....

Kahn should get over to the states as soon as possible! Get some publicity early in his career, then setting up HUGE paydays later in his fightlife if everything goes to plan!