Promoter Warren tips Khan for world stardom

AMIR KHAN will step up his professional career in September after his stunning debut victory over David Bailey in Bolton on Saturday night.

The 18-year-old’s call to keep busy has been answered by promoter Frank Warren, who will feature Khan on a bill topped by Joe Calzaghe’s next WBO super-middleweight title defence on September 10.

Khan took only one minute and 49 seconds to dispatch outclassed Londoner Bailey and is anxious to remain on track to fulfil his ambition of becoming the youngest world champion in British boxing history.

Khan said: “I want to get into a routine where I fight, rest, train then fight again. I want to keep fighting to build up my experience.

“Now I know what to expect as a professional. I was hoping for four rounds but once I saw those openings I went for them and I finished them early.”

Promoter Warren said: “This lad could be anything. If he goes on to do what we expect him to he will not just be a British star, but a world star too.

“Neither Ricky Hatton, Naseem Hamed nor Nigel Benn had already crossed over to the news pages at this stage of their careers. We have got a head-start with Amir.”