DON King believes Amir Khan’s plans to haul himself back into the world rankings will be shattered tomorrow.

The larger-than-life promoter of Marco Antonio Barrera says that although he is a big fan of Khan, it will be his man who comes out on top when the lightweight pair clash at the MEN Arena.

At a pre-fight press conference ahead of the top-of-the-bill showdown, the flambouyant King compared the Bolton boxer to a young Sugar Ray Robinson, but the American remained adamant that it will be the 35-year-old Mexican legend who comes out on top.

“I am sad to bring bad tidings but Amir is in for the shock of his life,” King said. “I love him, he’s a remarkable young man and I can’t say any bad things about him.

“When I first saw him I likened him to the early stages of Sugar Ray Robinson. I still feel the same, even though he got derailed along the line. It won’t happen this time but he’ll still come back.

“This is going to be a major stepping stone for Barrera. He has to win this fight – it’s do or die for him. He’s fighting for the Mexican people.”

Khan’s promoter Frank Warren was equally adamant his man would win a fight billed as a world title eliminator.

“I am confident Amir has the desire to win,” he said. “This is a fantastic fight as Barrera has held seven world titles, but has he anything left in the tank?

“I am banking on my man to step up to the task.”