Special features

Froch: Amir Khan rule world

'Cobra' backing Bolton boxer to topple Kotelnik

Last updated: 2nd July 2009

Froch: Backing Khan to join him as a world champion

I can't see Khan stopping Kotelnik - and there's always that question mark over his chin - but I think he'll pull it off.

Carl Froch
Quotes of the week

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
Andreas Kotelnik v Amir Khan
WBA Light-Welterweight title
Live on Sky Box Office & in HD
9pm, Saturday, July 18
Channel 743 & 752
Call 08442 410888 for details

Also see

WBC super-middleweight king Carl Froch expects fellow Briton Amir Khan to succeed in his bid to become a world champion.

Olympic silver medallist Khan will take on Andreas Kotelnik for the WBA light-welterweight title in Manchester on July 18.

And Froch believes the 22-year-old will outpoint the Ukrainian - a man nine years his senior.

"I've not seen too much of Kotelnik but I know he's not a massive banger," Froch told The Sun. "He's not a big, big puncher so that gives Khan a much better chance.

"Khan's a good fighter. He's got very fast hands, he's well schooled and he's got the right trainer now in Freddie Roach.

"So far he's proven he can fight at a certain level but now he's got to prove he can do it at world level.

"If Khan can keep himself out of harm's way and display his usual work rate, he should nick a points decision.

"I can't see him stopping Kotelnik - and there's always that question mark over his chin - but I think he'll pull it off."

Ricky Hatton has been talked about as a potential opponent should the youngster triumph.