KHAN EAGER FOR STATESIDE EXPOSURE

[StingLikeABee]

Amir Khan has reaffirmed his desire to fight in the United States as soon as possible, casting further doubt over the likelihood of a contest with Ricky Hatton.

Talk of a meeting between the two north-west fighters has not gone away since Khan won the WBA light-welterweight championship with a points victory over Andreas Kotelnik last month.

But uncertainty continues to surround the future of Hatton, who is still mulling over the prospect of making any kind of return to the ring after his second-round knock-out against Manny Pacquiao in May.

And 22-year-old Khan's focus remains on the United States as he looks to boost his international profile with the defence of his new belt.

"There's a few promoters we are speaking to about where we can fight, but I'd like to fight in the States - next fight or the one after," said Khan.

"Now I'm the world champion I think it would be great to fight on American TV - to let the Americans find out who Amir Khan is.

"That's the next step for me, exposing myself in America, and that's what we are working towards now."

Aside from Hatton, a whole host other potential opponents have been linked with Khan and the Bolton fighter admitted that a list of names was beginning to form in his head.

"A lot of people have said Ricky Hatton or (Erik) Morales but I'm having a break at the moment," Khan said.

"Let the venue be set so we can then talk about the opponent. There's a few opponents in mind. We are going to sit down with my promotion team and go through it."

Three weeks on from his crowning as world champion, Khan said the reality of fulfilling his life-long dream was still yet to sink in.

"It's only about two or three weeks since winning the title and what a great achievement it was - a dream come true for me" he said.

"I've always dreamt of winning a world title belt and I've done it now. There are bigger and better things coming for me.

"I'm going to let it sink in, I've got a couple of weeks off. Then it's back in training in October because I think I'll be fighting in November, December."

Khan was speaking at the Reebok Stadium where he turned out in the colours of his beloved Bolton Wanderers as part of the celebrations marking goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen's testimonial.

Having played the second half of a 'Bolton legends' game, Khan admitted he had found the going tough against his Wanderers heroes, some of whom were twice his age.

"The first minute was hard, I was huffing and puffing and thinking, 'This is tough'," said Khan.

"I think it was the sprinting that I was doing, up and down chasing the ball. But one of the players said to me, 'Just pace yourself and take it easy, walk now and then, jog, don't always sprint', so I did that and it became easier.

"Putting it up against a 12-round fight - in football you're only using your legs, but in boxing it's legs and hands, the movement so you don't get hit.

"I'd say boxing is a lot tougher - you're getting hit. Here, as soon as you touch a player he's on the floor.

"I wish I was fighting against football players, I'd be knocking them out easy!"

[hitman_hatton1]

i'm sure warren is delighted to hear this piece of news.

less money in taking him abroad.

especially at this stage where he's not a name.

[Spud]

Confusing couple of lines really when we think of what Khan is going to do next .....

"There's a few promoters we are speaking to about where we can fight, but I'd like to fight in the States - next fight or the one after," said Khan.

That line makes you think - Ummmm is he moving on - and Mr W arren wont be happy about it - mainly because Mr W arren is his own man and wants to do shows his way and as such no matter where it is - he will want to promote the show for his flagship fighter!!!

We are going to sit down with my promotion team and go through it."

If Mr W arren is promoting you Amir - then let him do what he is best at doing - promoting and managing and thus the first line I have quoted - if I was the promoter I would not be happy!!!

[tonyevs]

My thought also Spud

[Spud]

Why the secrecy?

Lets throw a promoter into the hat as a possibility - Top Rank (Bob Arum)

[DG.]

Stateside Exposure? He wil get exposed alright!

[whiskey]

Khan is not seasoned enough to go in with a slick American champion.

Maybe they'll go after someone cheap to buy and smaller, like Nate Campbell ?

[Spud]

Why the secrecy?

Lets throw a promoter into the hat as a possibility - Top Rank (Bob Arum)

No where near as informed as I used to be, has this happened?

Know nothing mate just going on a long shot - every now and again Arum does splash the cash.

[leforge]

He not big enough yet to fight in States.

[Bennyblanco]

Has there been any more talk of him fighting salita?

[crusader]

Salita is an easy fight that would make Khan look more spectacular than he really is. Maybe thats the right opponent for American TV? On the other hand Maidana is know known in the States due to his war with Ortiz on HBO, so that would be the more marketable, albeit more dangerous option, and we are dealing with Frankie Warren here.

[DG.]

Stateside Exposure? He wil get exposed alright!

Trust DG!

Its what I do, innit!

[jamesmcdonnell]

If nothing else, these statements show Khan is considering his options - so he is either out of contract, or soon to be out of contract. I've always been of the impression that Khan and his family will do one at the first available opportunity if there's more money on offer elsewhere.

[Spud]

Ant,

I am being told for Mr W arren is going to have to dig deep into those pockets to keep Khan - the American promoters are being rather persuasive with their wallets!!

[leforge]

Spud what has Khan got to offer for the AMerican promoters. He cant sell out venues here!

[tonyevs]

Spud what has Khan got to offer for the AMerican promoters. He cant sell out venues here!

I`d say the WBA title for starters

Khan will make for exciting fights against the right opponents. He has alot of heart - and not alot of chin. This will guarantee excitement, as said, against the right opponents

Khan has been forced to operate in the top league now. Something which some may argue has come too early - whilst others will claim at the correct time

[leforge]

I still think he need a UK promoter as well.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Spud what has Khan got to offer for the AMerican promoters. He cant sell out venues here!

Well, they might think they can build him into a star stateside. In some ways, Khan might become more popular in the UK if he's seen to be flying the flag for Britain at elite level.

British punters seem to love it when we have someone who can bash the yanks. Look at how Calzaghe's popularity soared after he beat Lacy. Before that, Calzaghe was never a huge ticket seller. His stock went through the ceiling after that.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Why the secrecy?

Lets throw a promoter into the hat as a possibility - Top Rank (Bob Arum)

What on earth would Arum do with a British Asian Muslim though, the Latino fighters are his bag, cannot see it myself.