Boxing:Amir Khan claimed a world title in Manchester last night just 10 months after suffering a devastating knockout defeat by unknown Colombian Breidis Prescott. The 22-year-old from Bolton took the WBA light-welterweight title with a slick unanimous points victory over Ukrainian champion Andreas Kotelnik at the MEN Arena.
Khan dominated from start to finish with impressive combinations and footwork, even answering some questions about his chin along the way.
His victory completes an impressive turnaround after his world title dreams appeared to be shattered less than a year ago.
At the same venue in September last year Khan was blown away in less than a minute by heavy underdog Prescott in one of the biggest shocks in British boxing.
But the 2004 Olympic silver medalist now describes that defeat as a turning point in his career, prompting him to switch trainers and throw caution to the wind — culminating in a dramatic victory over Marco Antonio Barrera in March and last night’s acquisition of a portion of the world title.
Khan thanked trainer Freddie Roach and Filipino star Manny Pacquiao for providing him with the inspiration to clinch his first world belt.
“It’s the best feeling ever. First of all I wanna thank God, thank my mum and dad and thank Freddie Roach for making this happen. Without the team I’ve got it wouldn’t have happened.
“I want to thank (promoter) Frank Warren. I’m sure we’ve got some big fights in the future coming up. The way my career’s gone, it’s gone brilliant. I’m a world champion now, I’m going to have a good break now and enjoy it.
“(Roach) was very crucial. I listened to him and also Manny Pacquiao, what a great inspiration he is for making me win this fight — the sparring with him, the working out... just talking to Manny Pacquiao took me to a different level.”
Warren hailed the 22-year-old’s calmness and much-improved defence. “I was really impressed with his composure, the way he went about his job,” he said.
“He’s learned a lot out there with Freddie, there’s no doubt about that. His defence is much better. He took a couple of shots but that’s what happens in boxing.
“Kotelnik’s a tough guy. He’s never been on the floor as an amateur or a pro and you can see why — most fighters would have been stopped by Amir with a performance like that.”
Roach added: “Even when he was a little tired in 11 and 12 he sucked it up and fought on and fought hard.
“We have to improve in some places. He’s still a young man — he’s going to get a lot better.”
On the same card Olympic middleweight champion James DeGale defeated Ulsterman Ciaran Healy in the first round.
Super-middleweight DeGale was calculated but aggressive as he peppered Healy’s head and body, with a left-right to the ribcage flooring the Belfast man. He stepped up the assault with the round coming to an end and just as the bell went, Healy’s corner threw the towel in.