Amir Khan desperate to prove he's still a world-class act

Hope or hype? Amir Khan is desperate to show that he has recovered from his shock, 54-second defeat by Breidis Prescott

13 April 2012

Amir Khan will be hoping to restore his reputation tomorrow night when he takes on Irishman Oisin Fagan for the vacant World Boxing Association international lightweight title at the Excel Centre.

Khan, who was hyped up out of all proportion after winning silver at the 2004 Olympics, certainly has a lot of rebuilding to do following his shock 54-second defeat by Colombian Breidis Prescott in September.

"I've got to prove people wrong about my chin. All fighters have to come back from defeat at some point," admitted Khan.

"I can handle this fight. I've come back a better fighter mentally and physically."

But it is a measure of Khan's sudden fall from grace that he is playing no more than a supporting role on the Excel undercard.

Top of the bill is Enzo Maccarinelli, who intends to take out nine months of frustration on Puerto Rico's Francisco Alvarez when they fight for the vacant World Boxing Organisation cruiserweight title.

Maccarinelli held that crown until he was put down in two rounds by David Haye in March. And the 28-year-old from Swansea has been stewing on his second defeat in 30 fights ever since.

"I lost to Haye and that happens in boxing. I didn't get it right and I got punished. What am I going to do, cry about it?" said the Welshman.

"I've had to deal with it. People are doubting me now and putting my back against the wall, but I want to show that I've still got it.

"People want to know if I'm gun-shy now, but I'm going to take control of the centre of the ring and throw bombs from the start.

"I like proving people wrong. I had a dream to unify the division before I fought Haye, and it's the same now. It's a long time since I fought and I've been angry for nine months now."

Alvarez, who has completed nine of his 11 wins inside the distance, is a late stand-in for American Johnathon Banks, who was forced to withdraw with an ankle injury.

Herbie Hide had been lined up to replace Banks but the former WBO heavyweight title-holder went 'missing' on Wednesday night after initially agreeing to the fight.

"I was happy when I heard it was Herbie Hide because he's the only man I really can't stand in boxing," said Maccarinelli.

"He's been saying a lot of things about me so it would have been nice to shut his mouth up. But he didn't want it."

Audley Harrison, who continues to blow his own trumpet, is another British boxer hoping to make an impression tomorrow.

He faces heavyweight Prizefighter winner Martin Rogan still claiming he can win a world title.

"I've seen the light. I will be heavyweight champion of the world. No doubt, 100 per cent," said the Olympic gold medallist.

But Rogan, a relative newcomer to boxing who, at 37, has a flawless record of 10 victories, is unimpressed by Harrison's.

He said: "Harrison won his Olympic gold eight years ago, this is now. He's got a great future in preaching and a great future in climbing mountains."

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Amir Khan desperate to prove he's still a world-class act

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