Khan finally gets title shot

Amir Khan will step up to light-welterweight for his first world title shot on June 27th.

The 22-year-old will face WBA champ Andreas Kotelnik with the O2 Arena the expected venue.

Following his stoppage victory against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera, this will be regarded as another big gamble for Khan and the rest of his team in what will be his first professional fight away from the lightweight division.

Ukrainian Kotelnik won the title last year after stopping Welshman Gavin Rees.

However, his credentials speak for themself, with a record of 29 – 2 – 1 and an Olympic silver medal the 31-year-old will provide a stern test for Khan.

Khan stops Barrera through controversial cut

Amir Khan secured his twentieth victory with a stoppage against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera but only after a clash of heads gave the veteran an horiffic gash.

A packed out MEN Arena saw Khan domminate the 35 year old but ultimately it was what was classed as an accidental clash of heads in the first round that decided the outcome.

Barrera was left with a cut that literally poured with blood and his corner were helpless to try an stem the flow.

Yet Khan always looked the better fighter, with lightning quick combos and for once a solid defence.

Due to technicalities the fight had to go to the scorecard when it was stopped in the fifth, but it was a foregone conclusion who the winner would be.

His victory should prove a lot of the 22 year old’s critics wrong and could set up a world title shot later in the year.

Meanwhile Enzo Maccarinelli’s career took another blow as little-known Ola Afolabi knocked the Welshman out in the ninth round in front of a shocked MEN.

The knockout to David Haye last year has clearly affected Enzo and he needs to et back on track quickly if his career is to go much further.

Elsewhere, there were other upsets as Bradley Pryce and Nicky Cook both lost their titles via knockouts, whilst the exciting Tyson Fury remains undefeated after another explosive stoppage victory.