By Mark Vester
Amir Khan (14-0, 11KOs) has begun the trash talking festivities towards his Dec. 8 opponent, Graham Earl (25-2, 12KOs). Khan defends his Commonwealth (British Empire) lightweight title against Earl at the Bolton Arena in Lancashire, England.
When speaking with The Times Online, Khan said he never aimed to punish an opponent, but he badly wants to punish Earl and make him regret signing the fight contract. Khan seems to been angered by some of Earl's recent interviews, where he predicts a knockout win over a younger, inexperienced opponent and also said that facing Khan was a "step back" for his career.
“He thinks he’s No 1, but he’s not,” Khan said. “I’m a nice guy inside and outside the ring, but I have never wanted to do a number on anyone as much. I have never ducked anyone. I’m sure he’ll get flashbacks from the Katsidis fight when he fights me. He’s going to regret coming in the ring with me. My birthday party will be in the ring that night. You are my birthday present from Frank [Warren, the promoter].”
Later in the interview, Khan predicted that his countryman Ricky Hatton will pull off the upset by beating WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., who collide on the same night in Las Vegas.
“I think Ricky can do it,” Khan said. “I think, style-wise, he can keep the pressure on and get to Mayweather with his body punches. It would be great for British boxing.”
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