Khan Ready For 'explosive' showdown

AMIR KHAN v DANIEL THORPE: Saturday 10 December

Amir Khan is expecting a toe-to-toe contest on Saturday in a four-rounder with Daniel Thorpe.

The Olympic silver medallist, 19 this Thursday is intending an early birthday celebration by clinching a win at London's Excel Arena.

But he believes that Thorpe represents a tricky test of his skills in just his fourth bout since turning professional.

Khan is not underestimating his opponent saying Thorpe is up for it. He has fought good boxers like Kevin Mitchell and is on the up after beating Commonwealth champion Haider Ali.

But that is not to say that he is not confident, feeling he will have too much for him, due to the amount and type of training, and he also honed his skills by sparring with former British welterweight champion David Barnes.

Khan was quoted as saying . "This fight will be all about footwork. He's an explosive boxer, who moves around and likes to come forward.

Amir Khan trains at premiership side Bolton's ground and as such is full of praise for the soccer outfit saying they have been brilliant - whatever I need they make time for me.

Khan expects his bout with Thorpe to be his last four-round contest before stepping up to six rounds in 2006.