By Mark Vester

Promoter Frank Warren says Andreas Kotelnik is the right opponent at the right time for UK lightweight star Amir Khan.

Khan moves up to junior welterweight to challenge Kotelnik for the WBA title at London’s O2 Arena on June 27.

"Boxing is all about making the right fights at the right time, and that’s why I’ve delivered Amir Khan a world title opportunity at light welterweight. I had to make a big decision about Amir's future this week, but I’m confident he has the ability and tools to beat WBA light-welter champion Andreas Kotelnik," Warren said.

There has been some question regarding Khan's move to 140, when there are several possible opponents at lightweight. Warren says the opponent he would have liked was Juan Manuel Marquez, who holds the WBO title.

"People will ask why we’ve done this when Amir has just beaten Marco Antonio Barrera to become WBO No 1 at lightweight. But WBO champion Juan Manuel Marquez has big fights lined up and I didn’t want Amir sitting around having to wait. Amir’s at his best when he’s involved in a meaningful fight, and facing a genuine world champion in a new weight division will be a real test," Warren said.

"The Ukrainian has never been on the floor or stopped, and his two losses have been narrow, debatable ones at championship level against Junior Witter and Souleymane M’Baye. He is probably best remembered here for stopping the undefeated Gavin Rees last Easter to win his WBA world title, and he’s made two defences since then. Believe me, he’s a live one."

Warren says Khan could return to lightweight in the future, but there are possible big fights at 140 as well.

"Although this fight is made at 140 pounds, there may be opportunities for Khan at 135 pounds as well. But just as the lightweight division is packed with talent, things are pretty hot at light-welterweight as well. Timothy Bradley, who beat Witter, now holds the WBO and WBC world titles, while former Ricky Hatton victim Juan Urango is IBF champ," Warren said.

"And, of course, you’ve got the Hitman himself, who fights Manny Pacquiao in May. Khan-Hatton could be a classic further down the road."

Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingvester@gmail.com