AMIR Khan has paved the way for a blockbuster showdown with fellow British superstar Ricky Hatton after announcing he has teamed up with American giants Golden Boy Promotions.
The WBA light-welterweight champion yesterday confirmed he has joined forces with Golden Boy, with whom Hatton also has a close working relationship, ending a five-year association with leading British promoter Frank Warren.
The clamour to see Britain’s top two lighter-weight fighters clash had, until now, been tempered by promotional issues with Hatton insisting the animosity between himself and Warren would block any potential showdown.
However, WBA light-welterweight champion Khan’s decision to team up with Golden Boy and attempt to crack America has at least removed that obstacle.
Golden Boy released a statement announcing ‘‘a strategic alliance’’ with Khan’s own company to promote the 23- year-old Bolton fighter, who has been with Warren since turning professional in 2005.
Khan, who trains in America under Freddie Roach, said: ‘‘I am really happy Khan Promotions is partnering with Golden Boy as I know that together they will be the right team to help me continue my career as an elite fighter and to expand my fan base to the United States and around the world.
‘‘I’m ready to fight anyone, anywhere, any time and know that Golden Boy will help me accomplish these goals.’’ While Khan has spoken of his desire to face Hatton in a fight which would surely sellout most football grounds in the UK, the Mancunian twoweight world champion has been less enthusiastic.
Hatton, who announced last week he will return to the ring this summer, said yesterday: ‘‘I don’t have to fight Amir Khan. He is a friend of mine, but he’s promoted by Frank Warren so with the differences between me and Frank Warren over the years I don’t believe that to be possible.’’ The situation has changed now, however, with both fighters associated with Golden Boy and, therefore, payper- view giant HBO.
Golden Boy insisted an opponent, date and location for Khan’s next fight will be announced shortly with ring legend Oscar De La Hoya, founder and president of the company, hailing the youngster as a ‘‘promoter’s dream’’.
‘‘Amir Khan is one of the most talented fighters in the world at any weight,’’ he said.
‘‘That talent, combined with his charismatic and outgoing personality, makes him a promoter’s dream and I feel will one day lead him to being the face of boxing.’’ Khan believes he can become a huge name in America, yet only last month claimed his Muslim faith had stopped him becoming a superstar in his native Britain.
Golden Boy, however, believe Khan can go on to become a global star.
Chief executive Richard Schaefer, who also works closely with Britain’s heavyweight champion David Haye, said: ‘‘Working alongside Khan Promotions, we are going to do everything in our power to get the biggest and best fights for Amir.
‘‘Amir is already a star in the United Kingdom and now, we are going to help him shine in the United States and across the world.’’ Warren said last week he hoped Khan would not develop ‘‘amnesia’’ and forget the loyalty he himself showed when the youngster was knocked out by Breidis Prescott in September 2008.
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