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Khan names Powell as trainer for next fight in June

02/05/2008

Amir Khan will be trained by Dean Powell in his next fight after his split from long-time coach Oliver Harrison.

The Olympic silver medallist was rumoured to be close to joining forces with one of the trio of high-profile American trainers Freddie Roach, Roger Mayweather, or Buddy McGirt.

But Khan has decided to go with Powell, although the arrangement is that the pair will be together for the next fight in Birmingham on June 21, before Khan chooses a permanent coach.

Meanwhile, Khan's dad, Shah, said a "lack of communication" led to the split with Harrison, who guided the 21-year-old through all his 17 professional wins.

Harrison was angered with the way he was let go, saying he found out the news through the media. But Khan's dad said he had numerous problems in trying to contact Harrison before his son's last fight against Martin Kristjansen and that Amir had to train himself the night before the weigh-in.

"He is a great coach, he took me from fighting as an amateur to a good professional," Amir Khan told www.frankwarren.tv.

"But it's a business and you have to look after number one. I have to look after myself, I'm going to be in the ring fighting."

Khan's promoter Frank Warren said his opponent for the fight in Birmingham will be announced at a press conference next week.