Khan says no to Thaxton

Khan: Different route

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Amir Khan will not be fighting bitter rival Jon Thaxton after the Bolton bomber withdrew from the bidding process for the bout.

The Commonwealth lightweight champion has been called out by the British title holder in recent weeks with both fighters promising to knock the other out if they ever met in the ring.

However, with the deadline for purse bids on Wednesday Khan has announced that he is no longer interested in taking on the man from Norwich.

The decision makes it clear that Khan is already eyeing a world title shot later this year, with his fight against Dane Martin Kristjansen next month possibly seen as an eliminator for the WBO strap.

Khan also faces the likelihood of being stripped of his Commonwealth crown with Thaxton named as his mandatory challenger, although the latter's team reportedly turned down a significant offer from promoter Frank Warren outside the bidding process.

The British Boxing Board's general secretary Simon Block said: "The Board will be disappointed that Khan has decided not to put himself forward for the bidding process, and also that Thaxton appears to have turned down a career-best purse.

"With the great end in 2007 for our sport, this match was to be one of the most eagerly awaited."