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By Dan Rafael
ESPN.com
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Amir Khan's shot at junior welterweight titlist Andreas Kotelnik of Ukraine was officially postponed Monday and pushed back to July 18, promoter Frank Warren announced.
The bout, originally scheduled for June 27, was postponed because Kotelnik (31-2-1, 13 KOs), 31, has a minor tooth infection that has disrupted his training.
Instead of taking place at London's O2 Arena, the fight will be staged at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England, where Khan (20-1, 15 KOs) has fought before, including his last fight, a technical decision against former three-division champion Marco Antonio Barrera on March 14.
According to Warren, the fight is being moved to Manchester because Michael Jackson has a concert scheduled for the O2 on June 27.
"Kotelnik has suffered an unfortunate injury and the added infection has scuppered his chances of fighting on June 27," Warren said. "Kotelnik, like everyone, is really sorry for the postponement, but to his credit he is fighting at the earliest possible opportunity. The added problems caused by the Michael Jackson concerts has made it impossible to stay at the O2, but I am thankful to the MEN Arena for saving the day and I am sure the atmosphere in there will be as good, if not better, than at the O2 so we are still in for a fantastic night.
"This is a good fight for the fans and a great fight for Amir Khan to step up to the next level and become world champion. The postponement, whilst unfortunate, is minimal and I am pleased that the opportunity was not lost by us for Khan to get his challenge. Albeit three weeks later than planned, July 18 will be the making of Amir Khan."
Khan, 22, a 2004 Olympic silver medalist and the 2007 ESPN.com prospect of the year, had been training with Freddie Roach in Los Angeles for the past several weeks before returning to England for the final two weeks of his training camp. However, he will return to Los Angeles later this week.
"Firstly, I'm delighted that my world title fight against Kotelnik is still on and when July 18 comes I will never be more ready for him, although the postponement of the fight is a pain," Khan said. "In boxing these things happen, so I have to be professional and stay focused. However, when I'm the victor and I am finally crowned world champion it will make up for it.
"Freddie Roach is adjusting my training accordingly so that I'm ready for the new date and I'm at my peak both physically and mentally."
Dan Rafael is the boxing writer for ESPN.com.
ESPN.com
Archive
Amir Khan's shot at junior welterweight titlist Andreas Kotelnik of Ukraine was officially postponed Monday and pushed back to July 18, promoter Frank Warren announced.
The bout, originally scheduled for June 27, was postponed because Kotelnik (31-2-1, 13 KOs), 31, has a minor tooth infection that has disrupted his training.
Instead of taking place at London's O2 Arena, the fight will be staged at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England, where Khan (20-1, 15 KOs) has fought before, including his last fight, a technical decision against former three-division champion Marco Antonio Barrera on March 14.
According to Warren, the fight is being moved to Manchester because Michael Jackson has a concert scheduled for the O2 on June 27.
"Kotelnik has suffered an unfortunate injury and the added infection has scuppered his chances of fighting on June 27," Warren said. "Kotelnik, like everyone, is really sorry for the postponement, but to his credit he is fighting at the earliest possible opportunity. The added problems caused by the Michael Jackson concerts has made it impossible to stay at the O2, but I am thankful to the MEN Arena for saving the day and I am sure the atmosphere in there will be as good, if not better, than at the O2 so we are still in for a fantastic night.
"This is a good fight for the fans and a great fight for Amir Khan to step up to the next level and become world champion. The postponement, whilst unfortunate, is minimal and I am pleased that the opportunity was not lost by us for Khan to get his challenge. Albeit three weeks later than planned, July 18 will be the making of Amir Khan."
Khan, 22, a 2004 Olympic silver medalist and the 2007 ESPN.com prospect of the year, had been training with Freddie Roach in Los Angeles for the past several weeks before returning to England for the final two weeks of his training camp. However, he will return to Los Angeles later this week.
"Firstly, I'm delighted that my world title fight against Kotelnik is still on and when July 18 comes I will never be more ready for him, although the postponement of the fight is a pain," Khan said. "In boxing these things happen, so I have to be professional and stay focused. However, when I'm the victor and I am finally crowned world champion it will make up for it.
"Freddie Roach is adjusting my training accordingly so that I'm ready for the new date and I'm at my peak both physically and mentally."
Dan Rafael is the boxing writer for ESPN.com.
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