Amir Khan has landed a massive fight with former three-weight world champion Marco Antonio Barrera.
Warren lures veteran Mexican to the UK
Amir Khan has landed a massive fight with former three-weight world champion Marco Antonio Barrera.
The Briton has been thrown in at the deep end by promoter Frank Warren just six months after his shocking first round defeat to Breidis Prescott.
Khan returned to action in December with a polished victory over Oisin Fagan after teaming up with trainer Freddie Roach for the first time, and a fight with former WBO super-featherweight champion Alex Arthur had been mooted for 2009.
However, Warren has pulled a rabbit out of the hat in the shape of the former super-bantam, featherweight and super-featherweight champion, who famously ended the career of Naseem Hamed in 2001.
The Mexican has plenty of miles on the clock following his legendary trilogy with Erik Morales and two fights with Manny Pacquiao, on the last occasion losing a unanimous decision in November 2007.
However, Barrera proved he is not ready to retire with a fourth round stoppage of little-known Sammy Ventura two months ago and is slated to meet Nate Campbell for the WBO lightweight title later this year.
"This is a huge step up for Amir who had some serious thoughts about it," said Warren, who confirmed the bout will take place in the UK on March 14. "The discussions over the fight finished at 4am this morning.
"It's a big fight for Amir who has been champing at the bit. This is the right fight for Amir at this stage of his career.
"I believe it will bring out the best in him. This puts him well and truly on the world stage."
Not a gamble
Khan received rave reviews from trainer Roach after the Bolton bomber sparred with Pacquiao in the build up to the Filipino's victory over Oscar De La Hoya last month.
And a fight with the 34-year-old Barrera could come at just the right time for Khan, with the 'Baby-Faced Assassin' naturally the smaller man and not renowned as a big puncher.
"This fight is not a gamble; I'm going to learn so much from it," said Khan. "At this stage, it's brilliant for me.
"Barrera is tougher than any British fighter - he's in a different league - and I'm going to seize the opportunity with both hands.
"I want to shut my critics up, prove to them how good I am. I have a point to prove, and this is the time to do it.
"I'm confident and know I can win. Winning this fight would take me to the next level."
