Amir Khan to get first title fight

LONDON—British boxing hope Amir Khan will fight for his first professional title on Saturday after his bout against Frenchman Rachid Drilzane was upgraded to a ten-rounder for the IBF intercontinental light-welterweight title.
Khan, who turns 20 on Friday, had originally been due to face Drilzane in his first fight over the eight-round distance before being offered the opportunity to contest the minor belt. But the fight was upgraded after Scott Harrison pulled out of his planned WBO featherweight title bout against Nicky Cook, which had been due to top the bill. "I said yes straightaway," said Khan, an Olympic silver medallist who is unbeaten in his nine professional fights, all of which have been at lightweight.
"My trainer thinks I am ready for it, and all I have to do is pace myself and make sure I do not wear myself out early. "This is only my 10th fight, and it is great to move on so quickly and fight for a title so soon. But I am looking beyond this to the day I can take on some of the best fighters in the world." Khan, who will expect to move back down to lightweight following Saturday's fight, added: "Moving up to a 10-round title fight has given me more focus and something else to fight for.
"My other fights so far have just been for the experience. With a title on the line, I will be much more hungry. "It is great to get this opportunity one day after my 20th birthday. I have been training hard and I am undoubtedly ready for it".—Agencies