KHAN WANTS USA FIGHTS NOW

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Jun 15, 2008 | by STEVE ROYCE

AMIR KHAN insists he will not spend too many years fighting in British rings and so miss golden opportunities in America.

Khan defends his Commonwealth lightweight title against Manchester's Michael Gomez next Saturday at NIA in Birmingham - and he wants a big American fight soon.

"I'm looking for a world title fight and I know I can win a world title now," said Khan.

"I want to get out and mix it with the best at the top American venues.

"I will go to America earlier in my career than Joe Calzaghe did. I am not going to leave it too late.

I could go now and win big fights - and that is exactly what I want to do."

Saturday's fight is likely to be explosive, bloody and brutal for a few rounds - Gomez is tough, and skilled in all boxing's illegal arts.

"Gomez is ideal for me right now because he fights like a dirty American or Mexican boxer," added Khan.

"I need a rough fight to show some people that I can handle the pressure.

"Gomez will come at me and I will have to stop him - I will not have to look too far to find him!"

Gomez was born in a ditch in Dublin when his father's car crashed on the way to the hospital, he spent his 21st birthday in prison and he will be 31 on the day of next weekend's fight.

Frank Warren, the promoter, has skillfully guided Khan's career since the Athens silver medallist turned pro in July 2005 and he is looking desperately for a big name and a big fight for Khan.

"There are no easy fights for Amir at the highest level now," admitted Warren. "I understand his frustration and I know that, like all unbeaten young fighters, he wants a world champion fight now - right now.

"There have been champions in the past that I would have matched Amir with, but the champions right now are extremely good.

"Amir will have to be patient a bit longer. He has to look good against Gomez - and that is easier said than done."

On Saturday Khan needs to stay calm and not get involved when Gomez unleashes his full armoury of dirty tricks.

But Khan should know enough - and punch hard enough - to end the fight by about round six.