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Kristjansen next for Khan

Lightweight handed WBO eliminator

Last updated: 18th February 2008

Khan: title eliminator

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Amir Khan is just one step away from a world title fight after Martin Kristjansen was named as his next opponent in what will be a WBO eliminator.

The pair were due to fight earlier this month but the Dane pulled out with 'flu, and the bout will now take place on April 5.

Khan, who has knocked out 12 of his 16 opponents, earned a unanimous points decision over late replacement Gairy St Clair last time and will face Kristjansen in his hometown of Bolton.

"We had a contract with Kristjansen which he insisted we honour and that's what we've done," said promoter Frank Warren.

"But it's worked out well because it's put Amir in the frame to fight for the world title, hopefully at some point this year."

The Dane is ranked second in the WBO's lightweight ratings but just five of his 19 victories have come by way of knockout.

Khan, 21, had been hoping to become Britain's youngest-ever world champion but he would have to fight again before the end of June for him to supplant the record held by Naseem Hamed.