• Light-welterweight

Khan expects to replace Roach

ESPN staff
September 2, 2012
Amir Khan is weighing up his options © Getty Images
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Amir Khan has given his clearest indication yet that he will leave trainer Freddie Roach after recent setbacks in his career.

Khan had been emerging as one of the most marketable and talented fighters in world boxing, before a controversial defeat to Lamont Peterson (which was subsequently nullified after the American failed a drugs test) and surprise knockout loss against Danny Garcia saw him lose both his belts and much of his standing.

The Bolton fighter had previously been happy to play second fiddle to Manny Pacquiao with trainer Roach, but after the loss to Garcia has reportedly been looking to make a change.

Khan has now confirmed that is the case.

"I'm not even at my peak yet," Khan told the Star on Sunday. "I want to make a few changes and am in talks to change trainers at the moment.

"I am looking at a few names but I don't know if they are available."

Khan previously revealed that he had been approached by Manny Stewart, trainer to Wladimir Klitschko, while he has also been linked with David Haye's guru, Adam Booth. The 25-year-old is looking for a trainer who will help his attacking style while shoring up his suspect defence.

Roach is in the dark about Khan's plans, having not been informed whether he has been dropped as coach or not.

"I have not heard anything official from them," the American said recently. "I heard they want to fight in December. No one has told me if I'm in or out."

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