• Light-welterweight

Khan: I can handle Diaz punches

ESPN staff
March 1, 2013
Amir Khan's last victory came against Carlos Molina © PA Photos
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Amir Khan insists he will be able to ride out Julio Diaz's power punching to secure victory when the two meet at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield on April 27.

Mexican Diaz, who was named as Khan's next opponent earlier in the week, had said he feels he can expose the Bolton fighter's 'weaknesses' - a thinly veiled dig at Khan's sometimes lax defensive mode.

The 26-year-old Khan will be fighting on British soil for the first time in two years after four consecutive fights in the US.

He did not enhance his reputation in that time with his fourth round knockout at the hands of Danny Garcia in Las Vegas moving him down the light-welterweight pecking order.

But a switch in trainer from Freddie Roach to Virgil Hunter was followed by a comfortable defeat of Carlos Molina and the former world champion is confident of continuing his resurrection in the division.

"It's been two years since I last fought in the United Kingdom [against Paul McCloskey in Manchester] and I can't wait to get in the ring in front of my fans," Khan said.

"Julio Diaz is a former world champion and a very dangerous opponent who is coming off an impressive performance in his last fight. I know he will be coming with guns blazing and I'm ready for whatever he has to throw at me. With my speed and boxing skills, and his power and experience, it makes for a really exciting match-up.

"He may have other ideas but I'm adamant that my return to the British shores is going to be a very successful one."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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