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Monday July 20, 2009

Amir on top of the world

MANCHESTER: Amir Khan is aspiring to be the next Manny Pacquiao after beating Andreas Kotelnik by a unanimous points decision to win his first world title at the MEN Arena here on Saturday.

The British boxer dominated the contest with his fast combinations, darting in and out of range to avoid getting into trouble as he cruised to a 120-108, 118-111 and 118-111 verdict on the judges’ scorecards over Germany-based Ukrainian Kotelnik to win the World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight title.

Considering Khan, an Olympic Games silver medallist in 2004, was knocked out in 54 seconds by Colombian Breidis Prescott in the same ring only last September, it was a remarkable turn around for the 22-year-old.

After losing his unbeaten professional record to Prescott, Amir has since been trained by American Freddie Roach at his Los Angeles gym. Roach also trains Filipino Pacquiao, who is regarded as the world’s best pound-for-pound in any weight divisions after he suffered two knockout defeats earlier in his career.

World champ: Britain's Amir Khan celebrating his win in the WBA light-welterweight title bout against Ukraine's Andreas Kotelink in Manchester on Saturday.-AP

Amir has sparred with Pacquiao, who the Briton claimed helped inspire him to his commanding performance against Kotelnik.

“Winning a world title is what I’ve wanted and dreamed of since the age of eight.

“Manny was a big inspiration for me. He’s dead nice and he’s always giving me confidence by saying I’m going to be the next champion and I will take his place.

“He said to me for this fight speed is going to be the key and that was the case. Hit and move, and it worked.” — AFP

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