Boxing story by sport.co.uk, Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:45:10 GMT



Amir Khan is confident of becoming World Champion when he faces Ukraine's Andreas Kotelnik for the WBA light-welterweight title on July 18. The fight will finally take place at the MEN Arena in Manchester following Kotelnik's decision to postpone the bout after damaging his teeth during training.The original contest was set to take place on June 27 at the O2 Arena in London before doctors advised Kotelnik to rest.



The 22-year-old Khan is stepping up in weight to meet Kotelnik having dismantled Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in a lightweight bout in March.



Despite never having fought at light-welterweight he remains confident of reaching the pinnacle of the sport and becoming a World Champion.



"It is going to be a tough fight but I think the British public wants to see me win a world title. This is my time," said Khan.



"To fight for the world title in only my 22nd fight and at the age of 22 is fantastic."



"Now I have to go out and win it. I've seen Kotelnik a few times and I've always been impressed by him but once my trainer, Freddie Roach, works out the game plan to beat him, I'm confident I will be walking away with the title," added the Bolton boxer.



But fight promoter Frank Warren, has warned of a tough night for Khan. "Amir is stepping up a level against a quality champion who has a great pedigree. It will be Amir's toughest fight yet," said Warren.