Khan feeling strong - Manchester notes

Amir Khan believes the move up to light-welterweight from lightweight has made him faster and stronger. "I'm feeling strong at light-welterweight it's only 5lb more from the 9st 9lb limit. I feel so strong and so quick at this weight," Khan, who challenges Andreas Kotelnik for the WBA light-welterweight title at the MEN Arena, Manchester, on Saturday, said.

"I think this weight is the best weight I've been for a long time. I've been sparring at this weight really well. I'm holding more muscle. I feel a lot bigger, a lot stronger, so I just can't wait to fight now."

Andreas Kotelnik believes a win over Khan could propel him into big fights in the United States. Not the most quotable of boxers, the Ukrainian declined to make a prediction for Saturday night's WBA light-welterweight title defence or even compare Khan against his previous opponents at Wednesday's head to head press conference.

"If I win this fight it will open the road to further fights, especially in America," Kotelnik said. "Every fight is very important to me and for every fight I train really hard. Nobody can make any predictions, it all depends on what opportunities my opponent gives me to do what I want to do.”

Top official takes charge

The WBA have appointed their most senior referee to take charge of Saturday's bout, the highly-respected Stanley Christodoulou. The 64-year-old South African has taken charge of a string of top fights, including Marvin Hagler v Roberto Duran, the first Aaron Pryor-Alexis Arguello bout and Thomas Hearns v Pipino Cuevas. He was also in charge of Barry McGuigan's WBA featherweight title win over Eusebio Pedrosa at Loftus Road, a fight which, he told me, had the greatest atmosphere of any bout he has officiated in.

There are also three neutral judges - Ove Oveson, of Denmark, Daniel Talon, of France, and Juan Manuel Garcia Reyes, of Spain.

Mitchell up first

Kevin Mitchell hopes to be just one bout away from a shot at WBO super-featherweight champion, but those fans wanting to catch Mitchell in action on Saturday will have to get there early. For the unbeaten British champion is first on the bill, a bout that is due to start at 6.15pm, nearly five hours before the Kotelnik-Khan bout. Mitchell should have a fairly straightforward task against Rudy Encarnacion, of Spain, in just his second bout since missing nearly a year after a hand operation.

Also looking for big things in the new year is Paul Smith, who is due to be challenging Tony Quigley for the British super-middleweight title - a match that comes with a tasty rivalry. Smith is also on the bill on Saturday, facing Michal Bilak of the Czech Republic.

Maccarinelli's pledge

Enzo Maccarinelli, the former WBO cruiserweight champion, says he will retire if he fails to beat Denis Lebedev, an unbeaten Russian, on the bill (another early starter at about 6.45pm). But far from being fearful of the bout, the Welshman is relishing the challenge. "I’ve got my back against the wall and have something to prove," Maccarinelli said.

Khan tops betting

There has been a flood of money on Khan to win on Saturday and he has been backed into 4/11, from 2/5, according to Ladbrokes. Khan - initially quoted as a 4/7 chance - is 7/4 to win by stoppage. Kotelnik is 2/1 to upset the odds and 7/2 to do so inside the distance. Ladbrokes spokesman, Nick Weinberg, said: “Punters can only see Khan’s maiden world title tilt ending in glory."

Comments

[chris]

not appreciating the royal outfit. maybe win a few more fights before you can pull that off.