Dublin-born boxer Fagan is lined up for Khan comeback fight

AMIR KHAN will take the first step towards rebuilding his career when he meets Ireland’s Oisin Fagan at London’s ExCeL on December 6.

The 2004 Olympic silver medallist was beaten in 54 seconds by Breidis Prescott last month and now faces a difficult path to world title contention. American-based Fagan has won 22 of his 27 fights but with just 13 knockouts on his record he is unlikely to expose Khan’s fragile chin in the manner Prescott did. The 34-year-old has campaigned at lightweight and light-welterweight, winning the Irish title in the latter division in June 2006. Troubled former IBF world champion Paul Spadafora is the biggest name on his record, a fight he lost by split decision. Fighting out of Oklahoma City, the Dublin native has been stopped just once in 2003 and should provide rugged opposition for Khan.

Khan’s record slipped to 18-1 following his demolition by Prescott, a little-known Colombian puncher who was chosen as an opponent on the recommendation of the 21-year-old’s then new trainer Jorge Rubio.

The blunder resulted in Rubio being sacked and Khan has since been training with Freddie Roach at the American coach’s Wild Card gym in Hollywood. But Roach’s involvement in Manny Pacquiao’s clash with Oscar De La Hoya in Las Vegas, also on December 6, means Dean Powell will be in Khan’s corner at the ExCeL. Khanis expected to spar against Filipino banger Pacquiao next week.