By Terence Dooley

Ricky Hatton is picking Amir Khan to overcome the challenge of New York-based Ukrainian Dmitriy Salita on December the 5th.  Hatton believes that the 22-year-old WBA light-welterweight title holder is fast becoming a rounded boxer-puncher.  Ricky told The Bolton News that Amir responded well to adversity after Bredis Prescott ripped his world apart in September of last year.

“I am delighted at what Amir has achieved, especially in his last fight,” said Ricky.  “When he had that crushing defeat against Prescott, everyone didn’t think much of him.  But he’s come back and rammed it right back down their throats by stepping up a weight and winning a world title.  That shows he’s an absolute champion, and it couldn’t happen to a nicer lad.  I know him, his family and his manager.”

Amir’s fight with Salita takes place at the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle.  Amir will defend his WBA title for the first time.  Salita is undefeated, 30-0-1 (16), and, like Khan, he is a young up-and-comer; the fight will top a stupendous 2009 for the North East fans: who have seen some big shows, the emergence of some interesting prospects, Tony Jeffries chief amongst them, and some good fights over the course of the past year.

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