• Light-welterweight

Khan eyes title after coming through 'toughest fight'

Julio Diaz called Amir Khan a "warrior" after surviving their brawl © PA Photos

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Amir Khan is eager to fight for a welterweight world title - preferably against Danny Garcia - on his next appearance inside the ring, after coming through one of the hardest fights of his career against Julio Diaz.

Khan was knocked down by Diaz during a unpredictable and entertaining clash in Sheffield on Saturday night, eventually surviving to claim a narrow points victory.

Now, after coming through such a tough test, the Bolton fighter is eager to contest for a world title once again.

"Julio gave me a tough fight," Khan said. "He caught me with a shot, though I was off-balance.

"He was tough and never took a step back. That was one of my hardest fights."

Garcia defeated Zab Judah on points later on Saturday night, moving a rematch between him and Khan one step closer.

Khan added: "There are four great fighters out there - Danny Garcia, Zab Judah, Lamont Peterson and Lucas Matthysse. I would love to fight the eventual winner out of those guys. I'd really love a fight with Garcia especially. There is a lot of unfinished business there."

With Khan due to get married in the summer his promoter, Richard Schaefer, indicated that a light-welterweight world title fight in December is a possibility - but Khan could yet finally make the move up to welterweight, with an immediate title shot against Devon Alexander, who had been due to face Kell Brook, an option.

"I see two scenarios, both of them in December," Schaefer said. "One is fighting for the light-welterweight title and the other is if he decides to go up in weight and we will go straight for the world title.

"You can never say you were at a boring Amir Khan fight. People like to see excitement and this guy is always in an exciting fight."

Diaz, meanwhile, branded Khan a "warrior" for coming through their duel - saying that he had no problem with the judges' unanimous decision.

"I'm very happy and proud to have given you guys a great fight," he said. "I think it was the best fight we could've given. Khan is a warrior, anyone else would've taken a knee or quit - he fought through it. His speed, his hand and foot speed, made it difficult for me to finish him.

"He also became more dangerous when he was hurt. I think it was a fair decision, I let too many rounds go by. Every time I hit him I hurt him, but he was the busier guy.

"I think we were both winners tonight."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.