The wrong knockout

Gerrard: out of Europe

I am not one for making predictions - I'll leave that to Freddie, who usually gets them right - but all I will say is tune in on December 5 and don't blink, because you might miss it!

Amir Khan
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Read Amir's Fight Diary

Tuesday, November 24

The main focus of today's training was a full-on sparring session with my two new sparring partners.

We have had to take on two more from the United Kingdom - I am going to keep their identities a secret - so it was good to get used to them over a decent eight-round workout.

They have obviously been hand-picked to match Dmitriy Salita's style and both me and Freddie were pleased with the session.

After that a familiar face popped in to give me a massage; Harry, from Bolton Wanderers. Harry has always helped out in my build-up towards a fight and again an example of how the club have been so good to me down the years.

I have used them ever since the days of Sam Allardyce, who I would just like to wish all the best after his heart surgery. More of the football later.

The media work is really stepping up as well and it is clear that the closer it gets, the more we are in demand. I did another three or four interviews and a photo shoot, just making sure the whole world knows about this the first defence of my world title. I think Salita has landed in the UK as well, so the countdown has well and truly begun.

I have worked so hard to get that WBA belt, that there is no way I am going to give it up.

I am not one for making predictions - I'll leave that to Freddie, who usually gets them right - but all I will say is tune in on December 5 and don't blink, because you might miss it!

Speaking of football, we all sat down to relax in the evening to watch the Champions League. I ended up watching the Liverpool game and was gutted to see them go out, not only because I like to see British sport doing well, but also because I'm mates with Steven Gerrard.

Dinner was, as usual served up by Alex, who is making sure I get all the right proteins inside me before fight night.

I am not a great one for cooking (my dad Shah is the real chef in the family) but I do stir the occasional saucepan - although of course, the kitchen can be a dangerous place and I don't want to get injured so close to my big night!