Khan to keep the buzz going

I'll keep the flag flying high, says world champion

Last updated: 26th November 2009  

Khan to keep the buzz going

Khan: In the mood

The fans will be excited, they will be on the edge of their seats all night. It's going to be exciting from the first bell because one the thing it always is when I fight is exciting.

Amir Khan
Quotes of the week

KING KHAN THE FIRST DEFENCE
Amir Khan v Dmitriy Salita
WBA Light-Welterweight title
Live on Sky Box Office & in HD
8.00pm, Saturday, December 5
Channel 743 & 752
Call 08442 410888 for details

Also see

Amir Khan says he will keep British boxing buzzing by seeing off Dmitriy Salita.

The WBA light-welterweight champion makes the first defence of his title in Newcastle on December 5, live on Sky Box Office.

The fight comes a month to the day after David Haye put British heavyweight boxing back on the map and two weeks after stablemate Manny Pacquiao destroyed Miguel Cotto and Khan says he is in the mood to keep the feel-good factor going.

"Boxing everywhere is on a high at the moment, just at the weekend Manny Pacquiao beat Miguel Cotto in an amazing fight and it just shows that not only in Britain, but all over the world boxing is massive," he told skysports.com.

Khan has made it clear that his ultimate goal is to follow in Ricky Hatton's footsteps and fight in Las Vegas.

But rather than turn his back on British fight fans, he says he will be flying the flag proudly, having helped re-established the sport with his success at the Olympics in 2004.

"First of all I think it's everyone's dream to fight in America, so naturally I'd love to fight there - I think it would be amazing for my career and amazing for British boxing," he said.

"What I've done in Britain is put boxing back on the map.

"It amazes me sometimes, it had all gone quiet at one stage and then after the Olympics it was bang right up there again and I turned professional and at the age of 22, I sell out arenas."

The Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle is the WBA champion's next port of call - and it will be the first time he has fought in the city, at any level.

Exciting

And he is determined to put on a show and hook some new fans in the traditional sporting hotbed that is the north east of England.

"I've never fought there as an amateur or professional," he said. "The first time I went there was for the press conference.

"Newcastle will be amazing, the fight going to be a sell-out no doubt and I think the Newcastle fans will love a big show like this.

"The fans will be excited, they will be on the edge of their seats all night. It's going to be exciting from the first bell because one the thing it always is when I fight is exciting.

"It's never boring, it can end in the first round or it can end in the last - you can't afford to blink!

"It's going to be an exciting night for them and I am sure they will be walking around with a smile on their face."

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