Khan: Point to prove

A lot of people want to see me lose but I'm not down until I'm counted out.

Amir Khan
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Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan has vowed to silence the critics who claim he's not good enough to become a world champion.

Commonwealth champion Khan failed to impress against Michael Gomez in his last bout as he was knocked down in the second round before eventually recovering to win by a technical knock out.

The 21-year-old will get the chance to make amends for that lacklustre display when he defends his Commonwealth title at Manchester's MEN Arena on September 6 against a yet to be confirmed opponent.

Despite the criticism that followed his victory over Gomez, the undefeated Bolton star, who has won all 18 of his professional bouts, insists he will thrive on the chance to prove people wrong.

"I am still proving a lot of people wrong the way I'm going," Khan said.

"A lot of people want to see me lose but I'm not down until I'm counted out. I could be knocked down ten times but I'll never give up.

Focused

"That Gomez is a good fighter. He's strong, he's fit and I can't take that away from him. But the critics are part of boxing.

"At the moment because I've been so good and things have gone really well, they look at your mistakes. But that's the way it is."

Khan would love a shot at unified lightweight champion Nate Campbell, but for now he is focused on fine-tuning his fitness.

"Mentally and physically I've been okay. I've had no problems, no injuries and I'm in top condition," Khan said.

"I'm still fit and I'm going to get back into training next week but there won't be much to do.

"My weight is okay, I haven't put too much on so the way things are going it should be great."