By Rick Reeno

Amir Khan was tested to the max when he faced Manchester's Craig Watson and Salford's Liam Dorian in his senior ABA Championships debut at the Preston Guild Hall.

Khan, one of most talked about young amateurs coming out of the Olympics tasted some adversity for the first time in his career. Khan was dropped in the 4th round of his bout with Watson. He got caught with a big lefthook that shook him up and made him go down. Khan was able to comeback to win the decision.

In the regional final, Khan had a bloody nose and was getting caught with repeated shots from Dorian because he was keeping his hands too low. Khan used his skills to outbox Dorian and various power punches to keep Dorian at bay.

"This was my first fight at light-welterweight and I will learn from my mistakes. I was caught by good shot for the knockdown but I was always okay and I got up and won it in style." said Khan

"I have won a lot of medals and I want to go in any competition in the world and try my best. I have boxed twice today which has got me thinking about this category and how the lads can handle themselves."