Amir plots world title route
9:45am Wednesday 20th February 2008
AMIR Khan's route to a world title appears anything but straightforward.
The Bolton boxer fights in his home town on April 5 and if successful will become the WBO lightweight second-ranked contender.
The 21-year-old Commonwealth champion takes on Martin Kristjansen at the Bolton Arena and his 17th successive victory would put him on course to challenge for the world crown before the end of the year.
Khan and Kristjansen were originally scheduled to clash on February 2, but the tall Dane pulled out because of flu and was replaced by Aussie-based Gairy St Clair, whom Khan comprehensively outpointed.
Kristjansen has won 19 of his 23 fights in a record that includes one defeat and three draws.
Manager Frank Warren originally annnounced that Khan's next fight would either be in the USA or against Belarus European champion Yuri Romanov, but changed tack after he failed to secure a deal in Las Vegas and because the Dane offers a route to the WBO title.
The WBO belt is currently held by the highly-rated 24-year-old Texan Juan Diaz, who would be a formidable opponent, unbeaten in 33 fights and also the holder of the WBA and IBF titles.
But it appears that, as Diaz holds three titles, he is recognised by the WBO as a "super champion" and therefore gets a longer time in between bouts. This then frees up the normal champion status and allows for that belt to be fought for.
Australian Michael Katsidis currently holds the position of interim champion, a title he won in comprehensive fashion when he destroyed Graham Earl last year, and it is for that title Khan is apparently being groomed.
Warren said: "I'm hoping beating Kristjansen will lead to a world title fight at the Reebok Stadium. This Kristjansen fight will put Amir in a very strong position.
"I'm hoping he'll get the number one ranking with the WBO if he beats him.
"With Kristjansen out of the way, maybe the next logical step would be a fight for the European title. We'll have to see what happens."
Khan tops an eight-fight bill that includes a rematch between Liverpool's WBU world featherweight champion Derry Matthews and challenger Steve Foster Junior.
Preston's WBU world champion Michael Jennings is also lined up to fight an international welterweight contest against an opponent yet to be named.
Tickets are on sale from Khan Boxing: 08718551921 or Bolton Arena 01204 488100.
lKhan has been named Sports Personality of the Year at the British Asian Sports Awards.
Khan received his award at a ceremony in London after he beat off competition from cricketer Monty Panesar and badminton player Aamir Ghaffar to win the title.