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Khan claims Bradley is running scared

Amir Khan was impressive in beating Zab Judah in July © PA Photos

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Amir Khan has confirmed he will return to the ring on December 10, but the WBA and IBF light-welterweight champion is still striving to find an opponent for the bout as Timothy Bradley has "refused" to get into the ring with the Brit.

The contest is likely to be Khan's final fight at 140lbs before stepping up to welterweight - with Floyd Mayweather Jnr in his sights.

As well as trying to lure Bradley with "everything he wanted" the Khan camp have also failed to persuade Erik Morales to agree to a fight and it would appear Lamont Peterson will be the next man in line for the Bolton man.

"December 10 I will be back," Khan told ESPN.com. "I've got a TV date with HBO and I am looking forward to it.

"Opponents are quite hard to get. We asked about Morales, but he said no. Bradley has said no, just refused to fight me even though we offered him everything he wanted. I really think he just doesn't want to fight me no matter what's on the table.

"It's too bad because the fans want to see it. But I know I am No. 1 in the division and that's what most other people say also because Bradley has not been active and he just won't fight me."

Khan feels Peterson will be a good opponent for what is almost certainly his final fight in the division.

"I think it's a good fight," Khan said. "Peterson is skilful and a good fighter. But I will leave the negotiations to Golden Boy. This will probably be my last fight [at] 140.

"Lamont is a credible opponent. He got a draw with [Victor] Ortiz, who is now fighting Mayweather. Now he's my mandatory and it would be a good fight. He wants to fight and I am willing to fight him. That's probably the best fight for me before I move up to welterweight."

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