The lure of America has forced the 23 year old to sever all ties with British promoter Frank Warren who guided Khan from teenage Olympic silver medallist to current WBA light welterweight champion. Only last week Warren said he hoped Khan would not develop “amnesia” and forget the loyalty he himself showed when Khan was knocked out by Columbian Breidis Prescott in 2008.
Amir Khan follows in the footsteps of former world champions Naseem Hamed, Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe who where all promoted and guided by Frank Warren before deciding to control their own destiny. It is a long time since a British fighter invaded America by actually going to live and fight there, Nigel Benn and Lennox Lewis did it, Audley Harrison tried it. Amir is in the best possible hands under the guidance of the sports leading trainer Freddie Roach. And frequent sparring sessions with stable-mate and reigning pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao will only help his carer flourish and help the young champion to fulfil his potential. Now signed with Golden Boy he will have no trouble landing the big fights.
The move means three of Britain’s top four fighters are with Golden Boy Promotions. Amir Khan joins David Haye and Ricky Hatton, leaving only Carl Froch under British control.
And hold your tear’s, Mr Warren has earned plenty from the above mentioned.
Will Amir’s radar now intercept Ricky Hatton, with the long running feud and sour history between Hatton and his former promoter a bout between the two Brits always seemed unlikely, team Hatton maintained they would never fight Khan while he was still working with Warren, due to their bitter fall-out. However now a battle of Britain could be a real possibility for later in the year. I would be somewhat surprised if it was their next bout, Hatton I’m sure would prefer a tune up fight before jumping in the ring with Khan, and we know Amir is looking to fight as soon as April. My money is on Paulie Malignaggi at Madison Square Garden for Khans U.S debut.
