Salita gunning for Khan

Number one contender calls out new WBA champ

Last updated: 22nd July 2009

Salita: wants Khan next

Amir Khan is just holding on to my championship right now.

Dmitriy Salita
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Dmitriy Salita has put himself at the front of the queue to face Amir Khan.

The Ukraine-born light-welterweight is the WBA's number one contender and mandatory challenger to the newly-crowned champion.

And within days of Khan's points win over Andreas Kotelnik, he has already started calling the 22-year-old.

Salita, who goes by the nickname the Star of David, is furious that he was overlooked for a title challenge and says the new champion should face him next rather than chase the names that have been mentioned.

"I'm ready to get Amir Khan in the ring and fight for the WBA title that belongs to me and I should have had years ago," Salita told boxingtalk.com.

"The time for this fight can't come soon enough. I'm going to take that belt.

"It was very disrespectful for him to fight for the title before I did and I'm going to take out all of my frustration on him when I get my belt. Amir Khan is just holding on to my championship right now."

Surprise

Salita, who is unbeaten in 31 fights (30-16KO-0-1) says he is willing to challenge Khan anywhere, but expects any meeting to take place in America.

Under WBA rules, Khan has nine months before he must give his mandatory a crack at the belt, but can defend it against someone else within 120 days.

He has been linked with a host of big names and there is also talk of him moving back down to lightweight, but if he does stay at light-welter - which trainer Freddie Roach is advocating - Salita could be the perfect for his first American fight.

"I thought that he fought a very good technical fight," said Salita.

"I think he's still very one dimensional with his attack and I can't wait to get my opportunity because I know he's going to be in for the surprise of his life.

"Being a world champion is what I've dreamed about since I started boxing. I'm very focused and I will be at my best. I've been though a lot in this game and I will make the most of this opportunity."