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Big-punching Khan hoping for 'easy' McCloskey win

Amir Khan hopes for an 'easy' win against Paul McCloskey © PA Photos

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Amir Khan has hit back at Paul McCloskey's claim that he is not a big puncher, insisting the European light-welterweight champion will hit the mat when the pair meet on April 16.

McCloskey provides an intriguing challenge to WBA champion Khan, boasting an undefeated record and a southpaw stance. However, Khan is adamant he will be perfectly prepared for the MEN Arena bout, due to the fact he trains with Manny Pacquiao.

"Paul's a little bit shorter than me, he's 5ft 8in, I'm 5ft 9½, and he seems very confident," Khan told Sky Sports News. "Watching his style, he's got a sharp style and he's strong. I can't take this fight easy. I have to be in the best shape.

"I train with Manny Pacquiao, who's the best southpaw in the world; Freddie Roach has brought a lot of southpaw training partners in. I don't mind fighting southpaws, hopefully it'll be an easy one."

McCloskey brushed aside the hype surrounding Khan following his Fight of the Year with Marcos Maidana, claiming the Briton isn't a big puncher. Unsurprisingly, Khan disagrees.

"I'm a bigger puncher than him, I know that for a fact. If I catch him clean, he's going down, there's no doubt about that. I caught Maidana with a clean body shot and he was very lucky to get back up.

"With Paul McCloskey, I've never seen him put down, he's a strong guy and he can take a good shot. He's got a good chin, but my boxing skills will win this fight for me."

And, far from sticking to the cliché about taking each fight as it comes, Khan confessed a future unification bout with Timothy Bradley is his inspiration come April 16.

"I've been thinking about the Timothy Bradley fight because that's what is driving me to get through this fight. I don't just want to get through this, I want to win it in style so there is no doubt who the best 140-pounder is."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.