Khan joins Golden Boy

Khan: aiming to make it big in America

I'm ready to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime and know that Golden Boy will help me accomplish these goals.

Amir Khan
Quotes of the week

Also see

• Sky Sports experts
• World champions
• On Sky TV
• Forums

Amir Khan has announced a deal with Golden Boy Promotions as he looks to crack the United States.

Khan, the WBA light-welterweight champion, has previously talked of his desire to fight in America after relocating to California to train under Freddie Roach.

Golden Boy released a statement on Sunday announcing "a strategic alliance" with Khan's own company to promote the Bolton fighter, who has been with Frank Warren since turning professional in 2005.

"I am really happy Khan Promotions is partnering with Golden Boy as I know that together they will be the right team to help me continue my career as an elite fighter and to expand my fan base to the United States and around the world," said Khan, 23.

"I'm ready to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime and know that Golden Boy will help me accomplish these goals."

Khan (22-1, 16KOs) teamed up with renowned trainer Roach in the wake of his only career defeat, to Breidis Prescott in September 2008, and has turned his career around since.

After beating Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in March he defeated Andreas Kotelnik to take the WBA belt, defending it with a first-round stoppage of Dmitriy Salita in December.

Those impressive performances made a significant statement in America, not least to Oscar De La Hoya and his Golden Boy colleagues.

"In continuing with its goal to expand boxing on a global level, Golden Boy Promotions is extremely pleased to announce that a strategic alliance with Khan Promotions has been entered into to promote one of boxing's hottest young world champions, British superstar Amir Khan," said a statement from the American firm.

"Khan Promotions has teamed with Golden Boy to promote Khan with the goal of expanding his presence globally, particularly in the United States, and looks to continue his reign as world champion in the biggest and best fights."

Loyalty

Leading British promoter Warren said last week he hoped Khan would not develop "amnesia" and forget the loyalty he himself showed when the youngster was knocked out by Prescott.

Asked about Khan forming his own promotional vehicle, Warren told Press Association Sport: "Look, whatever's going to happen is going to happen.

"You just hope that people don't suffer from amnesia, that's all I can say.

"I have delivered all I said I was going to do. When he turned pro I said I'd look after him and I'd make sure he wins a world title and I've done that."

An opponent, date and location for Khan's next fight will be announced shortly, according to Golden Boy, with mandatory challenger Marcos Maidana the most likely candidate.

Golden Boy president and founder De La Hoya said: "Amir Khan is one of the most talented fighters in the world at any weight.

"That talent, combined with his charismatic and out-going personality, makes him a promoter's dream and I feel will one day lead him to being the face of boxing.

"We are extremely excited to team with Khan Promotions and look forward to introducing Amir to fight fans in the United States and around the world."