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Primed Witter keen on Khan showdown

ESPN staff
February 3, 2011
Amir Khan is booked to fight in Manchester on April 16 but he is struggling to find an opponent © PA Photos
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Junior Witter, one of Amir Khan's prospective opponents, has admitted he would relish the chance to dethrone the WBA light-welterweight champion, warning him if he plays with fire "he should be careful he doesn't get burnt".

Khan, who has not fought since retaining his title with a gutsy win against Marcos Maidana in December, is scheduled to step back in the ring in Manchester on April 16.

A number of opponents have been touted, with Lamont Peterson, European champion Paul McCloskey and Britain's Kell Brook heading the list. However, negotiations to fight McCloskey fell through, after the fighter's promoter Barry Hearn scoffed at the purse being offered.

Consequently, Witter's name has been thrown into the fold and Khan's team approached the former WBC champion at the weekend to discuss a potential bout.

"My manager John Ingle spoke to me about the Khan offer and I'm up for it 100%," said Witter. "I'm fighting at welterweight for the first time in Canada on 19 February and I'm on the weight now at 10st 7lb.

"That's what I usually weigh three weeks before making the 10st limit so I don't see any problems doing it again. Training has been perfect and sparring the likes of Kell Brook has sharpened my skills.

"Khan has never boxed anyone of my calibre and experience and if he wants to start playing with fire, he should be careful he doesn't get burnt."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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