GLASGOW, Nov 6: Amir Khan declared himself ready for a shot at the world title after brushing aside the threat of journeyman Steve Gethin in three rounds in his third professional fight at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow late Saturday.
After winning the 2004 Athens Olympic Games silver medal, the English lightweight is now targeting a world title in the professional ranks before he is 21.
Khan, 19 next month, extended his unbeaten record to three straight wins with his second stoppage since making his professional debut in July.
A flurry of unanswered punches at blurring speed to Gethin’s body and head prompted the referee to halt the contest after 49 seconds of the third round.
It was further proof that Khan has potential, but until he faces better opponents it will not be known how far that potential might take him in the pro ranks.
Khan, from Bolton in Lancashire, will now box again in London on December 10 before a trip to Pakistan later next month to visit family and attend a friend’s wedding.
TITLE BOUT POSTPONED
FRANKFURT: World heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko has again had to postpone his World Boxing Council (WBC) title defence against Hashim Rahman after injuring his knee while sparring.
Klitschko, who twice pulled out of fights with Rahman earlier this year because of thigh and back problems, suffered the injury to his right knee on Thursday in Los Angeles.
After taking medical advice on Friday and Saturday, the Ukrainian decided he could not go ahead with the fight against American Rahman in Las Vegas next weekend.
The 34-year-old Klitschko, who was set to pick up $7.8 million for the fight, said it was too early to say when he might be able to box again.—Agencies
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