Thaxton can beat Khan to title shot

Amir Khan may be beaten to a world lightweight title challenge by a 33-year-old British rival.

Jonathan Thaxton takes on European champion Yuri Romanov, of Belarus, at Bethnal Green's York Hall tonight having been given an extra incentive by promoter Mick Hennessy.

The Lonsdale Belt winner, who has lost seven of his 40 bouts, said: "Mick told me, 'Win against Romanov and you can have a world title shot in six months.' Is that an incentive or what?"

Khan, 21 and unbeaten in 16 paid fights, takes on Denmark's Martin Kristjansen in a WBO eliminator at the Bolton Arena tomorrow.

Kristjansen's only defeat in 23 appearances was three years ago against Italy's Stefano Zoff, who was out-pointed by Romanov in a European title fight last October.

Thaxton claims that makes tonight's encounter more credible. "I'm fighting the European champion and Khan's not," he said. "Amir is a good kid and very talented, but what has Kristjansen done? He is nowhere near on the same level as Romanov.

"This is the two best lightweights in Europe fighting it out and it will tell me how far I can go."