Sport : Boxing

KHAN SET TO FACE WBC CHAMPION

23rd May 2012, 11:52am

Amir Khan: Set to fight Danny Garcia in July

Amir Khan: Set to fight Danny Garcia in July

Amir Khan is set to fight WBC light-welterweight champion Danny Garcia on July 14.

Khan revealed on his Twitter page that he will face the unbeaten American in Las Vegas.

The bout has been arranged after Khan's rematch against Lamont Peterson for the WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles, which was due to be staged earlier this month, was cancelled after Peterson failed a drug test.

"May the best man win on 14 July. Khan vs Garcia," Khan tweeted.

Garcia poses a major challenge for Khan, with the 24-year-old boasting an unbeaten record in 23 fights including 14 knockouts.

It is still unclear which titles will be up for grabs, with Khan to wait on a hearing into whether the WBA and IBF belts he lost to Peterson in December will be returned.

Should that not happen there could be a conflict, with Garcia due to meet mandatory challenger London-based Nigerian Ajose Olusegun.

The return of Khan's belts would, however, mean his unification fight would take precedence.

The Bolton fighter fully expects that will be the case, telling Sky Sports News: "It's a great match up with the WBC title on the line.

"I don't know about the other two titles. The hearing is in the next two weeks and then the governing bodies will make their decision.

"Hopefully the hearing goes well."

Speaking about Garcia, he added: "He has quite a similar style (to Peterson). Garcia is a come-forward fighter; he has a good knockout percentage.

"It is going to be me being as the boxer again. I'll have to be smart, hit, move and try and be one step ahead of him all the time.

"My little bit of experience ahead of him should work in my advantage.

"He's never lost before. It's going to be a good fight."

Garcia welcomed the fight and believes he would retain his unbeaten record, claiming Khan was over-rated.

"I feel like this is how it's supposed to be: the best versus the best, both of us in our prime and giving the fans a great fight," he told www.espn.com.

"I'm just happy - I feel like I have what it takes to beat this guy.

"I've watched Khan a lot. He's a good fighter, but I don't think he's what people say he is, getting all this credit.

"I feel like he will leave himself open for some big shots and we'll see if he can take them. I can box and I can punch. I'm going to hit him with stuff he won't see. I can't wait."

Khan returned to England from his Los Angeles training base following Peterson's failed test and said he would remain in his homeland for at least another week before beginning his preparations back in America.

"I've taken two weeks off, I'll probably take another week off but still do strength work," he said.

"I'll be ready so when I go back to LA I'll be ready to work hard again and work with Freddie Roach on a new game plan."

Boxing Videos

    Kessler ready to battle

    Kessler ready to battle

    21-May-2013

    Mikkel Kessler says he is in peak condition ahead of his fight with Carl Froch.

    Froch v Kessler II: Has Froch improved?

    Froch v Kessler II: Has Froch improved?

    21-May-2013

    Some of Britain's finest boxers of past and present give their views on Saturday's big rematch at the 02 Arena.

    Toe 2 Toe - 21st May

    Toe 2 Toe - 21st May

    21-May-2013

    Ed Robinson and Spencer Fearon look at all the latest boxing news, and have an exclusive interviews with Bernard Hopkins and Darren Barker. For the full extended Toe 2 Toe podcast go to Sky Sports News radio, or download from iTunes.

    Ambassador Taylor

    Ambassador Taylor

    21-May-2013

    Olympic Boxing gold medallist Katie Taylor has become Ireland's first Sky Sports Living for Sport Ambassador.

    Sky Bet

    Facebook Favourites