Amir Khan has vowed to send Graham Earl into retirement when the pair clash in Bolton on December 8.
Commonwealth champion starts war of words
Amir Khan has vowed to send Graham Earl into retirement when the pair clash in Bolton on December 8.
The former Olympic silver medallist will make the second defence of his Commonwealth lightweight title against the wily veteran from Luton, who is coming off the back of a world title loss to Michael Katsidis.
However, Earl is a respected former British title holder and provides easily the toughest test yet for Bolton's favourite sporting son, something Khan is well aware of.
"Graham's fought world-class fighters so this will give me a taste of it. It will bring the best out of me so I'm looking forward to it.
Style
"He's got the experience, he's strong and he wants to come and win but he's got the style that I prefer. He will come forward so I won't have to go looking for him."
But Khan, who will turn 21 on the day of the fight, soon upped the war of words at Monday's press conference.
"He's not going to beat me. He's taking a step in the wrong place," he continued. "Every fighter I've been in with has said they are going to do this and do that," he added.
"I'm really looking forward to this fight because I've never had a fight against anyone I've really wanted to shut up.
"I hope it goes the 12 rounds because I'm going to box him and box him and make him retire. I'm going to prove a point on December 8.
Flashbacks
"He can say what he wants but I'm too sharp and too quick for him. He took too many shots against Katsidis and I'm sure he'll have flashbacks when he fights me.
"The best thing he could have done was pack it in because I'm going to make him retire."
However, 29-year-old Earl put up a spirited defence, adding: "Amir is a good fighter but he's not at my level yet. I've beaten the current European champion and I'm world-rated.
"It will be a little lesson learned when he fights me and he can always come back.
"I won't hurt him that much that he can't come back. He's a great talent, he's young, it's his 21st birthday but I don't think there will be anything for him to celebrate."
