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Boxing

Khan to defend title against Earl

19/10/2007

Amir Khan will battle Graham Earl in the second defence of his Commonwealth lightweight title at the Bolton Arena on December 8.

The Olympic silver medallist, who celebrates his 21st birthday on the same night, maintained his unbeaten record when he beat Scott Lawton in his 14th professional fight on October 6. But Khan knows he will face a much tougher opponent in former WBU lightweight champion Earl, a man who has only lost two of his 25 fights.

"He's very experienced and has been around a long time. When he made his pro-debut in 1997 I was still just a 10-year-old kid," said Khan.

"I've seen plenty of his fights against the likes of Michael Katsidis, Steve Murray and Bobby Vanzie and I know what to expect from him - plenty of heart and power.

"I'm in this sport to become a world champion and a great and there is no way Earl is going to stop me achieving this."

Earl has long been clamouring for a fight with Khan and the 29-year-old is confident of halting the rise of young opponent.

"I'm not an opponent for anybody and certainly not a building block for his record," said Earl.

"Khan is a talented kid but he has not operated on my level and he will find out the hard way on his birthday that he has got a present that he never wanted.

"He's been like a constant thorn in my side, opening his mouth about fighting me and dismissing me and now it is time for him to put up or shut up."