Khan: Next Stop Birmingham

British boxing sensation Amir Khan will headline Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena on Saturday, June 21, as he rapidly closes in on a world title fight. The undefeated Bolton star has electrified fans with his speed, power and dazzling combinations up and down the country and is delighted to bring big-time boxing back to the Midlands..

Khan, the Commonwealth and WBO Intercontinental lightweight champion, said, “Since turning professional I’ve boxed in most of the major cities in Britain and I’m excited that my next fight will be in Birmingham. I get fan mail from all around the country but the majority I receive is from Birmingham and the question is always the same: when are you going to fight in here? I’ve boxed there as an amateur and I know that the fans are very passionate and love their boxing so I’m expecting a great turn out from the public to make it a great night.”

The 21-year-old hot-shot was last in action earlier this month when he put in a powerful display to halt world-ranked Dane Martin Kristjansen – who had never been stopped in 24 fights – in the seventh round in their WBO World Lightweight title eliminator.

He added, “I’m getting better and better with each fight and my last fight against Kristjansen, which I believe was my most complete performance yet, proved how far I have come in a short period of time. Of course there is still plenty of things that I need to improve on in the gym but I feel that I am on the right track to win a world title.”

An opponent will be announced shortly by promoter Frank Warren at a press conference to be held at the N.I.A. Details of which will will follow shortly.
Chief-support on the cards sees the star of hit TV reality show The Contender, Paul Smith, defend his English Middleweight title against Steve Bendall in a potentially explosive showdown.

Heading up an action packed undercard is Birmingham prospect Don Broadhurst – a big pal of Khan’s from their England ABA days. Broadhurst, the 2006 Commonwealth Games Champion, is unbeaten in seven fights and is one of Britain’s brightest young talents. He said: “When I won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, the reception I got on my return from the local public was phenominal. This will be the first time that I have boxed as a professional in my home city and I’m really excited by the prospect of boxing on the same card as my mate Amir. It’s going to be a fantastic night so get your tickets now!”

Another up-and-coming Birmingham talent, Thomas Costello, will feature on the show. Costello had his first fight under promoter Frank Warren in February on the Amir Khan-Gairy St Clair show in London and knows what the Birmingham public are in for. “It was a real eye opener boxing on a major show with Amir and the atmosphere was unbelievable. I can’t wait for the show at the N.I.A, I hope it will be the first of many big boxing nights in the city featuring myself and Don Broadhurst and the rest of the lads.”

A special attraction on the card see former Birmingham City midfilder Curtis Woodhouse make a return – this time in the boxing ring. Light-middlewieght Woodhouse, currently unbeaten in five fights, aims to become the first footballer ever to win a British title.

Completing the fight card are Leicester light-middleweight Martin Concepcion and the professional debut of amateur star Joe Selkirk from Liverpool.

Tickets priced at: £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 (subject to a booking fee) are available from See Tickets on 0870 060 3794 and Khan Boxing on 08718 551 921 or online at www.seetickets.com, www.amirkhan-boxing.com or www.frankwarren.tv.