British boxer Aamir to defend world title today

MANCHESTER: Pakistan-born British boxer Aamir Khan will enter the arena here today in defense of his World Boxing Association (WBA) title in mid-welterweight Paul McCloskey against Northern Ireland.

Aamir Khan, 24, insists he is fully focused on his defense of his world title against Paul McCloskey on Saturday to set up a unification fight world title against American Timothy Bradley, who holds the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) titles.

Khan, 24, maintains he is unconcerned by the considerable reduction in the size of his purse and he is confident he will come by McCloskey.

There have been discussions to deal with Khan Bradley America July 23, but the Olympic silver medalist in 2004, insists he will not ignore the threat posed by McCloskey undefeated champion of Europe.

"I'm so focused on my work and my job is to fight and win. McCloskey is coming to win but I'm the best guy he fought. He has never fought anyone who is as strong or fast as me.

McCloskey, 31, is convinced he can ruin plans to deal with Khan and Bradley seeks to exploit the strength punch the boxer from Bolton before 16,000 fans.

Khan rocked in the tenth round of his last fight against Argentina's Marcos Maidana in December and was arrested in the first round by Breidis Prescott of Colombia - his only professional defeat - in 2008.