A lean, mean Amir Khan will return to England at the weekend for the final fortnight of preparation ahead his showdown with Paul McCloskey on April 16.

The 24-year-old has ditched junk food while training in the Philippines for the fourth defence of his WBA light-welterweight crown with the unbeaten European champion at the MEN Arena in Manchester.

"In the past I've been able to eat junk food because I was burning it all off," Khan told the Bolton News. "But we've looked at my diet a lot more now and it's all organic and natural food, like vegetables, lean meat and fish.

"It's been hard because I get a sweet tooth at this stage of training but I've had to cut out all dairy and sugar. There's plenty of time for that after the fight.

Khan will be fighting for the first time in England since July 2009, as he bids to close on a unification fight with WBC and WBO king Timothy Bradley.

"I'm not underestimating McCloskey but he's not in my class. I'm a world-class fighter," insisted the Boltonian. "My next step is Bradley. I want to take the 140lbs division to a new level."

"I'm glad to be coming home. I've had my last two fights in Las Vegas and New York and I know my fans have been dying to see me.

"There's going to be a 20,000 full house and it's going to be a great atmosphere. I can't wait."

Tags: Amir Khan , Paul McCloskey , Khan vs McCloskey , Khan-McCloskey