Roach: Khan is in top shape

Roach confident ahead of Khan's title defence

By Ally Fisher   Last updated: 30th November 2009  

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

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Trainer Freddie Roach insists Amir Khan is in prime condition ahead of his first defence of his WBA light-welterweight title against Dmitriy Salita.

Khan's career has taken a dramatic turn since July last year, when some thought it was over after he was knocked out in the first round by Breidis Prescott.

However under Roach, Khan has returned to the ring a stronger fighter, with his defeat of Andriy Kotelnik on July 18 earning him the WBA light- welterweight title.

Shape

Roach told Sky Sports News: "He's in better shape, he is getting use to the weight and is much stronger than 140 pounds, that was the problem at 135 (pounds) - it killed him to make the weight.

"He is much more comfortable at 145, he is punching better and is 100 per cent right now."

Roach is confident that Khan can reach the successful heights of another of his charges - the multi-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao.

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