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A SHELL-SHOCKED Martin Kristjansen believes Amir Khan is ready for a shot at a world title - and fast.

The battered and bruised Dane was stopped for the first time in his career in the seventh round by the Bolton ace.

And lightweight Kristjansen, ranked No2 in the world by the WBO, admitted his was stunned by the 21-year-old's lightning speed.

"He was so fast," said Kristjansen, who had only lost once previously in a modest 23-fight career. "I was a little bit surprised.

"He threw good combinations with both hands - and has a great left jab that hurts.

"He is ready (for a world title shot)."

Khan had fought three times at Bolton Arena before Saturday's title eliminator, on each occasion winning in the first round.

The durable Dane was always going to provide a tougher test though, and it was scant consolation he survived as long as he did though.

Floored three times in the seventh round, he had no complaints with referee Mickey Vann's decision to halt proceedings.

He was, however, justifiably unhappy when Khan hitting him while he was on one knee after the first knock down, with the Olympic silver medallist fortunate to escape with a warning and not a point deduction for the illegitimate blow.

The 30-year-old said: "The first time I was down I had my knee on the floor but he kept punching which made it difficult to get up, but I've no complaints with the decision to stop the fight."

10:21am Monday 7th April 2008

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