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Boxing

Khan moves closer to world title dream after Kristjansen win

06/04/2008

Amir Khan has taken a step closer to his dream of becoming a world champion after beating Martin Kristjansen in their WBO intercontinental bout.

Khan dominated the fight and eventually managed to wear out the durable Dane to win his 17th consecutive professional bout in the seventh round.

Backed by a partisan crowd in Bolton, Khan began the fight well and appeared to rock Kristjansen back with some heavy blows in the opening two rounds, but the veteran maintained his composure and stayed on his feet.

The 21-year-old had launched stinging attacks in most of the rounds during the fight but it was not until the seventh that Kristjansen showed any real signs of being hurt.

However, Khan sensed he could finish the Dane off and did so as he chased his opponent around the ring to secure the first knock down.

As Kristjansen fell to the canvas Khan continued to strike the 30-year-old and was rightfully admonished by the referee.

Kristjansen returned to his feet but Khan made him take another eight count 30 seconds later. Although he looked dazed, Kristjansen decided to continue but another salvo from Khan was enough for the referee to stop the fight as the seventh round drew to a close.

After the fight Khan said: "I'm sure people want to see me knocking people out in the first round but my opponents are getting better and better and this was a big fight for me. I am getting closer and closer to my dream."

Khan hopes to secure a title shot by the end of the year against either WBO title-holder Nate Campbell or interim belt holder Joel Casamayor.