• Boxing

Khan reaches agreement with McCloskey

ESPN staff
February 6, 2011
Amir Khan intends to unify the light-welterweight titles © Getty Images
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Amir Khan has confirmed that negotiations with Paul McCloskey have finally reached a successful conclusion ahead of their April 16 bout.

Khan had made it clear that McCloskey was his preferred opponent for the MEN Arena clash, but an initial offer was labelled a "joke" by the McCloskey camp. The fight then appeared to be off, with the likes of Junior Witter, Kell Brook and Lamont Peterson all entering the picture.

However, Khan has now confirmed he will take on European light-welterweight champion McCloskey, before going after Timothy Bradley in a unification bout later this year.

"I am delighted that this fight has finally been put together following some tough negotiations," Khan said in a statement on his official website. "This is a matchup the British public want to see and will be a fantastic fight between two of the best light-welterweights in the country."

Goldon Boy CEO Richard Schaefer added: "Amir is back. The 'King' is back. It's his homecoming, his first fight at home in over 12 months. He is excited to take on an undefeated fighter in Paul McCloskey. He is looking forward to the showdown.

"McCloskey is European champion and he has been calling out Amir. Amir had other fighters on his mind, but for his homecoming, to fight a guy from Northern Ireland who is undefeated, it makes sense. It's an important showdown for the British fight fans. McCloskey has yet to taste defeat. That makes him dangerous and motivated because he doesn't know how to lose. McCloskey is licking his chops to get his hands on Amir."

Khan is coming off that memorable win over Marcos Maidana, voted Fight of the Year, and Schaefer had a warning for McCloskey.

"I heard that he wants to go and finish what Maidana started. Of course, Amir will have something to say about that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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