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Khan not 'cash cow' warns team

Amir Khan tasted victory in his last fight against Marcos Maidana, but has warned future opponents he is not a 'cash cow' © PA Photos

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Amir Khan's management have warned prospective opponents to get realistic about their financial demands if they want a shot at facing the 24-year-old.

The WBA light-welterweight champion has scheduled a fourth defence of his title for the MEN Arena in Manchester on April 16, but an announcement of his opponent has been delayed by the various demands of prospective fighters. Money is the main sticking point, something that has led to a warning from Asif Ali, Khan's business manager.

"There are several opponents under discussion for Amir's mandatory defence but they need to get realistic and not treat him like a cash cow," Ali told the Daily Telegraph.

Paul McCloskey, the unbeaten European champion from Northern Ireland, IBF lightweight champion Joan Guzman and American Lamont Petersen have all been mooted as possible contenders. But Amir's father, Shah Khan, went on to warn those lined up to face the Bolton-born boxer that they would be unwise to let their greed scupper a chance at such a high-profile fight.

"They get the chance of fighting Amir, and seem to think they can add a couple of noughts on the purse," Khan said. "I don't know where they get the notion from that we are awash with money for his fights. McCloskey still holds on to his European title, win or lose, yet he has the chance to make his name if he can beat Amir.

"The same thing happened a couple of years ago with Jon Thaxton, and the fight never happened. Thaxton has since retired and never got the opportunity."

Khan is expected to resume work with Freddie Roach, trainer of Manny Pacquiao, ahead of the April fight. Hoping to unify the light-welterweight division within the year, a bout between Khan and the winner of the forthcoming fight between WBC champion Devon Alexander - who recently mocked the Englishman - and WBO title-holder Timothy Bradley is widely expected if the former Olympic champion comes through his April fight unscathed.

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