Boxing: Home truths for champ Khan

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), June 23, 2008

AMIR KHAN has been told he must be patient if he wants to emulate Joe Calzaghe and enjoy a long unbeaten reign at the top of his sport.

Khan has been itching for a world title shot for the majority of his 18-fight career but, after climbing off the canvas to defeat Michael Gomez in Birmingham on Saturday, he came face to face with a few home truths.

Promoter Frank Warren insists the Bolton 21-year-old, who will return to the ring in September, needs at least two more fights before getting in with one of the world lightweight champions.

Warren said: "Joe Calzaghe was 25 before he fought for his first world title. We just need to put the brakes on a little bit.

"There's no timetable. I could make a world title fight tomorrow, but it's all about waiting for the right moment."

Khan learned a valuable lesson at the National Indoor Arena where he was toppled by a left hook in round two before battering Gomez to defeat towards the end of the fifth round.

"I should have listened more. Sometimes I do fight with my heart rather than my head. But these are exactly the type of fights I need at this stage in my career," he said.

"Michael Gomez will give anyone a tough fight and I have a lot of respect for him.

"He caught me with a few good shots but I took them and I came back. I've learned more from this fight than if I had won it in one round."

Gomez was slightly disappointed with his own showing, and said: "Khan is a world-class fighter with world-class vulnerabilities but his hand-speed beat me.

"I don't think I performed too well in the biggest chance of my life."

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LESSON: Amir Khan