Khan Says American Training Camp Will Clip Kotelnik

By Mark Vester

UK lightweight star Amir Khan says that his decision to continue training in America at the Wild Card Gym with Freddie Roach will help him overcome the tough challenge of WBA junior welterweight champion Andreas Kotelnik on July 18 at the MEN Arena in Manchester.

Khan told BoxingScene.com's Luis Sandoval that training at the Wild Card is a lot more serious than training in England.

"I love it out here. Training here is a lot better than anything training that you can get in England. It's more serious here. You have great sparring partners. You have great coaches and very much different. The atmosphere in the boxing gym. I love it here," Khan said.

Khan says the jump in weight will not hurt him. He feels a lot stronger at 140.

"I'm moving up to 140. I'm a 135 fighter but I feel a lot stronger at the weight of 140. I'm going to be stronger. I'm going to be quick. I can't wait to fight. I trained so hard for this fight. Strenght and conditioning. I feel a lot stronger. I think 140 is a better weight for me because I feel stronger," Khan said.

"If I stayed at lightweight, a title shot would have [had to wait] six to nine months time. I had the opportunity to fight for WBA title if I moved up to 140, which is only five pounds and I would fight for it in my very next fight."

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