Khan inspired by Pacman

British lightweight to adopt a more measured approach

By Phil Jackson   Last updated: 1st December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Khan inspired by Pacman

Khan: Working hard

I had a chat with Manny and he told me he had two losses early in his career where he got knocked out - but just look where he is now.

Amir Khan
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KHAN v FAGAN
12 Rounds Lightweight
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Amir Khan has revealed how sparring with Manny Pacquiao has helped to fine-tune his skills.

The 21-year-old starts his comeback against Oisin Fagan at the ExCel arena on Saturday after suffering defeat for the first time just 54 seconds into his September fight with Breidis Prescott.

The Bolton boxer has been training in Los Angeles with new trainer Freddie Roach in the run up to his return.

He has even been facing Pacquiao, who takes on Oscar de la Hoya on the same night live on Sky Box Office, in preparation.

Inspiration

"I got loads of confidence from sparring with Manny," Khan said. "I got hit by some of his best shots but didn't go down and he's the best pound-for-pound in the world right now.

"I'm a better fighter now - I will never make that mistake again. I had a chat with Manny and he told me he had two losses early in his career where he got knocked out - but just look where he is now.

"What makes Manny the best is his patience. He waits for the right time to throw the combinations and I've also changed a lot of things in my style. Freddie has told me I need to be more patient."

Approach

Viewers can expect a more measured approach from the 21-year-old, who has claimed he will win at all costs in London.

"I don't care how the fight goes as long as I win even if it's boring. I'm a cleverer and better fighter now after spending five or six weeks in America," he added.

"Sometimes when you get into a fight you want to please the crowd but it should be about winning.

"I'm going to forget about the crowd and all I want is a win. I don't care if it goes 12 rounds or one round.

"You can expect a totally different Amir Khan. I will be more focused - and I won't be holding the chin up high."