Amir Khan secures title showdown with undefeated WBC champion Garcia

Amir Khan will again bid to prove he is the best light-welterweight in the world when he fights unbeaten WBC champion Danny Garcia on 14 July.

Khan’s status has been left in some limbo since his controversial points decision defeat to Lamont Peterson in Washington DC last December.

The validity of that contest remains under question after their rematch for the WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles was cancelled earlier this month when it emerged Peterson had failed a drugs test.

A hearing next month will decide whether to strip Peterson of the two belts and hand Khan a unification title shot against the impressive Garcia at an as-yet-unnamed venue.

While Khan must await the outcome of that hearing, he will have little time to dwell on the threat posed by Garcia, who impressively beat Mexican Erik Morales in his first world title shot in March.

The 24-year-old American is unbeaten in 23 fights, including 14 knockouts, and looms as one of the toughest challenges in Khan’s career, with their showdown having been confirmed yesterday.

“It’s a great match-up with the WBC title on the line,” Khan told Sky Sports News.

“I don’t know about the other two titles. The hearing is in the next two weeks and then the governing bodies will make their decision. Hopefully the hearing goes well.”

Speaking about Garcia, Khan added: “He has quite a similar style [to Peterson]. Garcia is a come-forward fighter; he has a good knockout percentage.

“It is going to be me being the boxer again. I’ll have to be smart, hit, move and try to be one step ahead of him all the time.

“My little bit of experience ahead of him should work in my advantage.

“He’s never lost before. It’s going to be a good fight.”

Garcia has welcomed the prospect of meeting Khan, who he has labelled as over-rated and someone he expects to beat as he looks to further his growing reputation.

“I feel like this is how it’s supposed to be: the best versus the best, both of us in our prime and giving the fans a great fight,” Garcia told www.espn.com.

“I’m just happy – I feel like I have what it takes to beat this guy. I’ve watched Khan a lot. He’s a good fighter, but I don’t think he’s what people say he is, getting all this credit.

“I feel like he will leave himself open for some big shots and we’ll see if he can take them. I can box and I can punch. I’m going to hit him with stuff he won’t see. I can’t wait.”

Khan initially claimed on his Twitter page yesterday morning that the fight would be staged in Las Vegas, although organisers have still to confirm that, with Los Angeles also mooted as a possible venue. There was also some added uncertainty as Garcia was due to meet mandatory challenger, London-based Nigerian Ajose Olusegun, although a unification fight would likely take precedence.

Khan returned to England from his Los Angeles training base following Peterson’s failed test and said he would remain in his homeland for at least another week before beginning his preparations back in America.

“I’ve taken two weeks off, I’ll probably take another week off but still do strength work,” Khan said. “When I go back to LA, I’ll be ready to work hard again and work with [trainer] Freddie Roach on a new game plan.”