25.08.06 – Amir Khan has welcomed Ryan Barrett’s threats of causing an upset at the Bolton Arena on September 2 but has warned the Thamesmead toughnut: “There’s only going to be one winner – me!” Boxing wonderboy Khan has his first fight in his hometown in over a year since making his professional debut with a blistering one-round blow-out of David Bailey and Barrett is intent on spoiling proceedings..
The Olympic Silver Medallist, now unbeaten in eight fights with six knockouts, is chilled-out ahead of his big night and is not worried by Barrett’s threats.
“Barrett can say what he likes now but he will have to back up his words a week on Saturday when we meet,” said Khan.
“All the opponents that face me know that if they beat me then they’ve hit the jackpot, so I’m not surprised that Barrett is saying what he’s saying”
“It doesn’t put any extra pressure on me to perform, I’m just as cool as I always am and taking everything in my stride. I believe in my skill and ability and I’m improving all the time in the gym. Not only that but I’m maturing and getting physically stronger so Barrett is the one who is going to be in for a shock on the night,”
So what does Khan know about Barrett?
He continued, “I know that he’s a tall, rangy, southpaw and has never been stopped in the 15 fights that he’s had. He was in a tough scrap against Martin Watson which was an eliminator for the British title and he’s ranked above me in the domestic ratings,”
“I respect all my opponents and I know that he’s a fighter that I’ve got to beat to keep progressing in my career and move closer to that first title shot,”
He added, “I’m really looking forward to this fight, it’s the first fight in my hometown for over a year and the Bolton public are desperate to see me back in action again so there’s no way I’m going to let them down against Barrett,”
“I was at the Reebok Stadium last Saturday for Bolton Wanderers first home game of the season against Spurs and the atmosphere at the match was incredible and I know that it will be the same on the night I fight.”