Amir Khan, from Bolton, was meant to be facing the Frenchman Rachid Drilzane in an 8 round contest on Saturday night but has now been pushed into last-minute title bout.
The scheduled bout was meant to take place at London’s ExCel Arena but Khan, who turned 20 on Friday, is now planned to fight for the vacant IBF intercontinental light welterweight crown over ten rounds. Amir said this about the surprising news: “I’ll be moving up from eight rounds to 10 for the first time and I see this as a real opportunity. My other fights so far have just been for the experience for now with a title on the line I will be much hungrier.”
He finished by saying: “It is great to get this opportunity one day after my 20th birthday. I have been training hard and I am undoubtedly ready for it.” Khan will be making his 10th professional appearance against the 28-year-old Drilzane, who has won 10 out of his 13 bouts.
The change to Khan’s fight is the third twist in Saturday night’s fight plans at the show in the ExCel Arena; as two other boxers have already pulled out. The British Scott Harrison’s late removal from his WBO featherweight crown defence has left challenger Nicky Cook rapidly searching for an opponent. Last week Danny Williams also stepped in, in an instance, to substitute Commonwealth champion Matt Skelton who injured his hand during training. Williams is set to fight in a heavyweight conflict with the ‘has been’ Audley Harrison.
There have been a lot of sudden changes to Saturday’s line up – some bad and some good, but this is a huge opportunity for Amir Khan and if he pulls it off he will definitely be in for a world title shot very soon.
Please leave your thoughts on Amir Khan’s big day and Saturday’s night of boxing at the bottom of the page.
come on amir u can do it u can be world champion any day. hu ever says to u these fites r easy they chat bare hipe. u tell them man uv got the skills the talent the enrgy the speed (mashallah) allah has given u all these powers so u should be greatful to allah. carry on the way ur going we all luv u. ESPECIALLY 1 NAME I WANT TO MENSION HENNA ALI LUVS U TOO BITS LOL. do d’ua to allah that williams gets stronger and he kiks shit out of audley harrison. take care amir
Comment by AMIR KHANZ MY HERO. — December 10, 2006 @ 12:13 pm
Oh my. He looks like Prince Naseem Hamed in that pic. *shock*
Comment by onlooker — December 13, 2006 @ 3:45 pm
Do you really think so?! He’s definately a great fighter but not quite that good yet. He will soon be world champion but I’m not too sure when - he’s got a lot to learn but definately has tonnes of potential and from what the British public have already seen we know he’s got talent!
Comment by Dave — December 14, 2006 @ 9:01 pm
well done mate. Keep up the good work
o n say helo to ma lil frennd
Comment by Tony Montana — December 15, 2006 @ 11:25 am
you are quite good come i got someone to fight you phone me 07765236816
Comment by mohammed ali — February 19, 2007 @ 4:07 pm
well i think amir khan is propper gawjuss and can win a fite anyday no matter what…
… im watchi it its on itv1 at 5pm
hes got his 12th fight on saturday
Comment by natalie — March 31, 2007 @ 8:09 pm
i think amir khan is fit as fiddles!
Comment by tharsi — June 23, 2008 @ 11:28 am