Boxing: Khan steps up a division for world title shot

Published on Wednesday 8 April 2009 23:59

AMIR Khan is determined to grasp his first chance to become a world champion after being handed a tilt at the title against Ukrainian Andreas Kotelnik in June.

The British fighter will step up a division to take on WBA light-welterweight champion Kotelnik at a British venue, promoter Frank Warren confirmed.

Khan, the former Olympic silver medallist, beat Mexican star Marco Antonio Barrera in Manchester last month to put himself in the frame for a world title shot, and his big moment will come on 27 June. Kotelnik lives in Germany and won his world title by beating British fighter Gavin Rees last year.

Khan said: "This is the best news that I could have received.

"To fight for the world title in only my 22nd fight and at the age of just 22 is fantastic. Frank has done a great job getting the world title fight for me in Britain and now I have to go out and win it.

"I've seen Kotelnik a few times and I've always been impressed by him, but once my trainer Freddie Roach works out the game plan to beat him it's my job to execute it on the night as I did effectively against Barrera."

The Reebok Stadium in Bolton, Khan's home town, could possibly stage the fight. Warren has promised the venue will be announced soon.

Khan has forged his reputation in the lightweight division and stepping up to light- welterweight will be a fresh challenge.

Kotelnik has twice successfully defended his title and Warren is challenging Khan to reproduce the performance which put paid to Barrera when the pair go glove to glove.

Warren said: "This is the moment that Amir has been waiting for. Amir put in a sensational performance against a three-time world champion and future Hall of Famer in Barrera in only his 21st fight."

Khanis the Commonwealth lightweight champion, WBO Inter-Continental lightweight champion and WBA International lightweight champion.

Like Khan, Kotelnik has an Olympic silver medal to his name, as a lightweight in 2000.