Boxing: Cash blow for Amir Khan after TV channel hop

Amir Khan has lost "a big lump sum" by apparently refusing to lower himself to fighting on Sky Sports 3 this Saturday.

The WBA light-welterweight champion's defence against Paul McCloskey in Manchester was downgraded from Sky Box Office to the broadcaster's regular subscription channels before Khan yesterday confirmed he will now appear on the minor pay-per-view station Primetime TV.

It is understood Sky took the MEN Arena card off Box Office as a quality control decision, not due to sales figures, but after a strong undercard was weakened by withdrawals.

However, Khan's camp were unhappy to be placed on Sky Sports 3 and not 1 or 2, despite the broadcaster apparently explaining that the finer points of such scheduling were out of their hands due to the intricate rights deals involving the likes of Saturday's Real Madrid v Barcelona football match.

Khan insists preparations have not been affected by the television issue but admits the situation has proved costly.

"This is what happens in boxing," he said yesterday. "There are going to be times when there are pay cuts, but what drives me is all the training I have done. You know, it's a big lump sum that's been cut but what can you do? That's boxing for you."