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AMIR KHAN has vowed to conquer America twice this year.
Then he wants world titles at THREE different weights before he quits.
The Commonwealth lightweight champion plans to do what Ricky Hatton could not by winning in Las Vegas and put British boxing back on the map.
But Khan also wants to set a lasting legacy and is promising to bow out of the ring as a legend at the age of 28.
Khan, 21, said: “I’m already approaching my peak at lightweight and I’m one of the hardest-hitting fighters around. Hopefully, I’ll get a world title shot this year before moving up to light-welter.
“I think that’s my natural weight and I plan to win a world title at that level before finishing my career at welterweight.
“I’d like to win titles and dominate all three weights, as well as having some big fights in America, too.
“I’m tall, so I think I can make each weight easily. Give it a couple of years. I’ll be strong enough at each weight.
“You don’t get many British fighters who can win titles at several weights, yet I believe I’m the one who can do it.
"I want to set a legacy. I want to be known as a legend when I finish, where people are still talking about me.
Outclass
“That’s why I’ll never back down from a fight.
“There has been big talk about Las Vegas already and it’s my dream to top the bill there.
“Hopefully, it’s not too far off. They’ve promised me I’ll fight there a couple of times this year.
“Ricky couldn’t quite do it but I’d love to be the one British fighter who goes out and shows the Americans what I can do.”
Bolton star Khan made a superb defence of his Commonwealth belt against Gairy St Clair last week, going the full 12-round distance to outclass an experienced opponent.
The Olympic silver medallist has now won all his 16 fights since turning pro in 2005 and insists the next bout cannot come soon enough.
Khan, who announced a new sponsorship deal with Reebok this week, added: “I feel like I can go back in the gym straight away.
“I’ve two weeks off now and won’t even punch a bag or lift a finger. I might even get away on a holiday and completely switch off.
“The fights have come thick and fast so far in my career and I’ve hardly had any time off. Your body does need time to recover.
“But three months between fights is perfect. Any longer than that and you can get stale.
“I like having lots of fights, as it’s about getting used to being a seasoned pro. I’ve been doing a lot of strength work over the last year and feel a lot bigger and stronger. You can feel the difference, especially in the later rounds.
“It seems so long ago watching that little scrawny kid at the Olympics. Now I’m a man and a professional. Things could not have gone better.
“But I know boxing is a short career, so I want to retire at 28. That would mean I’d have been boxing for 20 years and that’s enough.
“After I finish I’ll go into property and concentrate on my Bolton gym, finding the next Amir Khan.”
Then he wants world titles at THREE different weights before he quits.
The Commonwealth lightweight champion plans to do what Ricky Hatton could not by winning in Las Vegas and put British boxing back on the map.
But Khan also wants to set a lasting legacy and is promising to bow out of the ring as a legend at the age of 28.
Khan, 21, said: “I’m already approaching my peak at lightweight and I’m one of the hardest-hitting fighters around. Hopefully, I’ll get a world title shot this year before moving up to light-welter.
“I think that’s my natural weight and I plan to win a world title at that level before finishing my career at welterweight.
“I’d like to win titles and dominate all three weights, as well as having some big fights in America, too.
“I’m tall, so I think I can make each weight easily. Give it a couple of years. I’ll be strong enough at each weight.
“You don’t get many British fighters who can win titles at several weights, yet I believe I’m the one who can do it.
"I want to set a legacy. I want to be known as a legend when I finish, where people are still talking about me.
Outclass
“That’s why I’ll never back down from a fight.
“There has been big talk about Las Vegas already and it’s my dream to top the bill there.
“Hopefully, it’s not too far off. They’ve promised me I’ll fight there a couple of times this year.
“Ricky couldn’t quite do it but I’d love to be the one British fighter who goes out and shows the Americans what I can do.”
Bolton star Khan made a superb defence of his Commonwealth belt against Gairy St Clair last week, going the full 12-round distance to outclass an experienced opponent.
The Olympic silver medallist has now won all his 16 fights since turning pro in 2005 and insists the next bout cannot come soon enough.
Khan, who announced a new sponsorship deal with Reebok this week, added: “I feel like I can go back in the gym straight away.
“I’ve two weeks off now and won’t even punch a bag or lift a finger. I might even get away on a holiday and completely switch off.
“The fights have come thick and fast so far in my career and I’ve hardly had any time off. Your body does need time to recover.
“But three months between fights is perfect. Any longer than that and you can get stale.
“I like having lots of fights, as it’s about getting used to being a seasoned pro. I’ve been doing a lot of strength work over the last year and feel a lot bigger and stronger. You can feel the difference, especially in the later rounds.
“It seems so long ago watching that little scrawny kid at the Olympics. Now I’m a man and a professional. Things could not have gone better.
“But I know boxing is a short career, so I want to retire at 28. That would mean I’d have been boxing for 20 years and that’s enough.
“After I finish I’ll go into property and concentrate on my Bolton gym, finding the next Amir Khan.”
Give the fella a chance hes on his way up
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