Amir Khan back in action against Samuel Vargas in Birmingham

Amir Khan has vowed to deliver more "fireworks" against Samuel Vargas at Arena Birmingham on September 8, live on Sky Sports.

The 31-year-old welterweight needed just 39 seconds to stop Phil Lo Greco in April after nearly two years out of action and returns to the ring against Colombian Vargas.

After his lengthy absence, Khan is working towards another big-name bout, and expects a tougher test against the Canada-based Vargas, who is ranked No 10 by the WBA.

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"One of my aims this year was to be as active as possible, so I'm very happy to get back in the ring again so soon against Samuel Vargas," said Khan.

"Vargas is a tough and well-schooled fighter, who has shared the ring with some top welterweights including Danny Garcia and Errol Spence Jr.

I hope to give the fans in Birmingham the same excitement and fireworks as my last fight. It will be one not to miss!

"I have to get past Vargas before looking at the biggest challenges going forward. I'm not going to be taking Vargas lightly because I know he will be coming with everything on September 8.

"I hope to give the fans in Birmingham the same excitement and fireworks as my last fight. It will be one not to miss!"

But Vargas insists Khan should forget about another early victory, and warned the UK favourite to prepare for a punishing battle.

"I am excited to step in the ring with Amir Khan on September 8," said Vargas. "I am very pleased that my promoter Lee Baxter and Eddie Hearn from Matchroom Boxing could come to an arrangement fairly easily and make this fight happen.

"I have been granted more than enough time to properly prepare for Amir and you will see the best Samuel Vargas to date.

"Mark my words, we might both be from the same city and county but I am nothing like Phil Lo Greco that's a guarantee - I'm going to give Amir hell."

Khan's clash with Vargas will top a packed card in the second city, with Jason Welborn defending his British middleweight title in a rematch with Tommy Langford, while Sam Eggington and Gamal Yafai also appear on a bill which will feature more stars in the coming weeks.

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: "We're very excited to be kicking off the new season with Amir Khan, who will bring his all-action style to Birmingham in a fight against the tough Samuel Vargas.

"Big fights could lie ahead for Khan, including that elusive British battle with Kell Brook, but firstly he must overcome Vargas in style on another packed evening of action."