By Terence Dooley
Amir Khan has told Ron Lewis of The Times that he now has his own promotional company and will be looking to evaluate his options after the December 5th WBA light-welterweight showdown against Dmitriy Salita at the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle.
Khan believes that the Salita contest will lay the groundwork for a possible American adventure in 2010. “I’m going to make sure my next fight will be in America. Now I am standing on my own feet, where I’ve got my own promotions company,” Khan said.
“I’m my own guy, I manage myself, I’m not tied up in any contract or anything. It’s up to me who I want to fight now. Even if I’m on an undercard in America, next fight I want to fight in America. I’m not going to listen to what people say, it’s my dream, it’s my career. For me to fight in America is a big thing.”
Though Khan, an experienced headliner in the UK, stopped short of putting himself forward for top-of-the-bill status, the Bolton youngster believes he could soon be in a position to headline major US shows.
“I think it is too soon to top the bill [in America]. I am known, but not a lot. My time will come. I’m only 22,” admitted Khan.
Frank Warren shares Khan’s US dream, the promoter told The Times that the groundwork has already been laid for a US showcase.
“The plan has always been to go to America. Boxing is all about timing both in and outside the ring. The key is that when a boxer goes to America, they should be earning no less than they’ve been earning here,” Warren declared.
First, though, Khan must repel Salita’s title ambition; the undefeated, Brooklyn-based Ukrainian believes he will knock Khan out, and tear Amir’s ‘US showcases’ talk to tatters.
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