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Khan to fight Judah in Las Vegas on July 23

Amir Khan's most recent win came against Paul McCloskey © Getty Images

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Amir Khan will fight Zab Judah in a light-welterweight unification contest in Las Vegas on July 23.

WBA champion Khan (25-1, 17KO) is coming off a controversial victory over Paul McCloskey, which he won by technical knockout after the Irishman sustained a cut above his eyes the referee deemed dangerous.

Having been unable to persuade Timothy Bradley into the ring, the Bolton fighter will now take on IBF strap-holder Judah in a contest that will unify their titles.

The 33-year-old Judah (41-6, 28KO) is a former undisputed welterweight champion of the world, but recently stepped down a weight class to take the IBF title off South Africa's Kaizer Mabuza.

"We've agreed on the terms and the contracts are being drawn," Judah's promoter, Kathy Duva confirmed to ESPN.

The two boxers had previously been involved in a bit of verbal sparring on Twitter.

"Zab's a good fighter. He's strong, he's fit. All the stuff on Twitter is fun, but we're both professionals. It's just spicing things up," Khan told ESPN prior to the fight agreement. "He was undisputed champion at 147 and now he's a champion at 140. ... If Bradley don't want me, I'm happy to take Judah on and beat him."

The fight will be the second of a four-fight deal Khan signed with American broadcaster HBO, and will take place at Mandalay Bay after Judah's representatives dropped any demands for it to take place in Atlantic City - nearer Judah's East Coast fanbase.

The purse will reportedly be split 55-45 in the Englishman's favour, in what will be the fifth defence of his crown. Judah only won his belt in March, after dropping down from the welterweight division.

"I told Zab I'd rather just get the promotion going and get him in the gym and we'll make money at the site in Las Vegas if we promote it well," Duva said. "Zab agreed. At some point you stop quibbling over a couple of points. Zab will make money when he beats this guy.

"That's where the upside is. They each have a world title, but the thing Khan has that Zab doesn't is a multi-fight agreement with HBO. That's where his strength comes from. And when Zab beats him, HBO will be seeking out Zab Judah for a multi-fight contract. He'll be the man at that point."

Judah himself believes that he will prove a far tougher opponent for Khan than Bradley - the WBO and WBC title-holder and consensus top dog in the division - ever could.

"I got what I wanted, so I am happy. Now it's time to go work," Judah, who has already begun training, said. "I've been praying on this fight. My goal is to be undisputed champion at two weights. I did it at 147 and I'm gonna do it at 140 starting with Amir Khan.

"I know Amir wanted the Bradley fight, but who wouldn't? Bradley can't break an egg. A fight with 'Super' Judah is not a fight Amir wanted. Don't let him lie to you."

Judah has enviable fight experience - having previously fought boxing luminaries including Cory Spinks (twice - one win), Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather Jr., although he has lost to all three men.

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