Amir Khan says little brother Haroon is inspiring him ahead of his clash with Andreas Kotelnik – and wants the pair of them to hold world titles at the same time. Khan, 22, challenges for Kotelnik’s WBA light-welterweight title at the MEN Arena, Manchester, on July 18. And Haroon, 18, has been hitting the headlines recently with a string of impressive amateur wins for England. “I’ve been getting updates in the States about Haroon’s progression, and I’ve been doing some training with him since I’ve come back to the UK,” said Khan..
“He’s got so much talent and we’re always pushing each other on to do better, although I make sure I’m top dog!
“I don’t know if he’s going to go pro or not, but if he does then he’s good enough to win a world title.
“My dream is for us both to hold world titles at the same time and defend them at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton or in one of the big venues in Las Vegas.”
British boxing has seen plenty of brotherly glove over the years, and promoter Frank Warren’s current stable includes Kevin and Vinny Mitchell; Paul, Liam and Stephen Smith and Liam, Ryan and Michael Walsh.
“I don’t know if two brothers from Britain have ever held world titles before, so it would be great if Haroon and I could go down in history,” said Khan.
“But before we can even start thinking about that, I need to beat Kotelnik on July 18 at the MEN Arena.
“I read yesterday that he’s saying that I am underestimating him, but that’s not the case.
“I have trained for the hardest fight of my career, and I know that I will have to be at my very best to win.
“I have dreamed about winning a world title for a long time though, and it will be my hand raised later this month.”
Amir Khan Is Not Underestimating Kotelnik After Shock Ortiz Loss
Amir Khan says top US prospect Victor Ortiz’s shock defeat at the weekend has underlined how hard his fight with Andreas Kotelnik will be. Ortiz was bombed out in six rounds in an interim WBA World Light-Welterweight title fight by heavy-handed Argentine Marcos Maidana in LA. Earlier this year, Kotelnik defeated Maidana on a split decision in Germany. “Maidana’s win at the weekend shows you just how good Kotelnik is,” said 22-year-old Khan, who takes on Kotelnik on July 18 at the M.E.N Arena, Manchester, in a challenge for his WBA light-welterweight title.
“Everyone was talking about Ortiz as the next big thing in boxing, but Maidana just walked him down.
“He punches hard as well, so I know that I’m going to have to do something special to KO Kotelnik – and I will.
“I saw the fight and it was an impressive victory, and shows just how good I need to be if I am to become a world champion.
“Some fighters would get worried about it, but it’s just inspired me.
“I was working twice as hard with Freddie in the gym the next day.”
Khan is refusing to look beyond his clash with the Ukrainian and is focused on the fight.
“It would be really stupid to start thinking about other fights,” said Khan.
“I am fully focussed on beating Kotelnik, and haven’t even looked at any potential future opponents.
“Everything has been geared to winning on July 18 and I am confident that’s what is going to happen.”
Betfred, the official betting parter of the show, has Khan is the favourite at 8/15, kotelnik at 6/4 and the draw is 25/1. For further information log on to www.betfred.com
Tickets priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £150, £200, £300 & £500 are available from:
M.E.N Arena Box Office: 0844 847 8000 or online at www.men-arena.com
See Tickets: 0871 220 0260 or online at www.seetickets.co.uk
Khan Boxing: 01204 535 332 or online at www.amirkhan-boxing.com