• Boxing

Khan vows to defend belt in UK after Maidana clash

ESPN staff
September 17, 2010
Amir Khan impressed on his American debut against Paulie Malignaggi © Getty Images
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Amir Khan is determined to defend his title on home soil if he emerges victorious in his battle against Marcos Maidana on December 11 in Las Vegas.

The WBA light-welterweight champion will attempt to protect his belt for the third time against the hard-hitting Maidana, who is sure to test Khan's suspect chin.

It will be Khan's second bout Stateside, taking place seven months after he outclassed Paulie Malignaggi with an 11th-round stoppage in New York.

The 23-year-old has made no secret of his desire to improve his reputation in the US - it was his primary motivation for joining Golden Boy Promotions earlier this year - but he remains keen to perform in front of a British audience.

"I wanted to fight Maidana so badly I have given up home advantage, even though I am the champion and not him," Khan said. "Maidana wants to stop me from having my legacy, but that won't happen.

"My team tried very hard to get this fight to the UK. But because of Maidana's demands, the figures just wouldn't add up. I can assure fans that my team will be doing whatever they can to stage my next world title defence in the UK.

"I thought we could do it this time but it hasn't worked out. Next year I want to fight in front of my fans and in my country."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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