Amir Khan’s new trainer Jorge Rubio has promised to help deliver a world title to the 21-year-old. Rubio was unveiled as Khan’s new cornerman over the weekend. And the Florida-based Cuban met the press today in Bolton with Khan, and said he is among the most talented fighters he has worked with. If all goes to plan, Rubio will help guide Khan to a world title within the next 12 months..

Promoter Frank Warren is confident that his protege – who enjoys high rankings with the WBO, IBF and WBC- will make it to the top.

“It’s my ambition to make Amir a world champion,” said Rubio, who oversaw an intense media workout at Khan’s Bolton gym.

“I believe he has got the talent to reign for years.

“I have been working on his defence and his footwork, but I’m not looking at changing him too much, just improving on certain areas.

“It will take time, but Amir has already got better in the few weeks I’ve worked with him, and I’m seeing the difference every day.

“Amir Khan is a smart guy and only I have to tell him something once before he puts into practice. He has all the tools to become a world champion.”

Rubio’s innovative training techniques were on display in Bolton, as Khan worked on his footwork and head movement in a ring traversed by ropes.

“Jorge is a great trainer,” said undefeated Commonwealth champion Khan. “I knew as soon as I met him that he was the man for me.

“I’d met Buddy McGirt, Freddie Roach and really liked Floyd Mayweather Snr, but when I hooked up with Jorge I loved his style and his teaching methods.

“I think I’ve been hit more by him that I have been by my opponents, because if I leave my hands low, even by a fraction of an inch, he whacks me one with the pads!

“He’s got me moving my head a lot more and slipping shots, and I think I’ve come on a lot just in two weeks.

“He can definitely take me to the next level which is a world title.”

The 21-year-old, unbeaten in 18 fights, is next in action at the MEN Arena, Manchester, on September 6.

Tickets for 2 Hot 2 Handle, priced at £30, £40, £50, £100, £150 and £200, are available from www.frankwarren.tv and the following outlets: M.E.N Ticketmaster 0870 190 8000 www.men-arena.com

Enzo Maccarinelli vs Johnathon Banks

Enzo Maccarinelli will enjoy home advantage for his WBO World Cruiserweight title challenge against Johnathon Banks after promoter Frank Warren won purse bids for the fight.

Warren put in a successful bid at the WBO’s offices in Puerto Rico on Tuesday.

Maccarinelli is aiming to recapture the WBO crown he lost against David Haye in March this year, and the Welshman was delighted when he heard the news about the purse bid.

“Frank Warren has delivered for me again, and I can’t wait to get back into action and win my title back,”

“The loss to Haye was hard to swallow because I know I could have done better but that is in the past and I’m focused on getting back to winning ways again,” said 27-year-old Maccarinelli.

“Banks is supposed to be the next big thing in America, but I’ll cut him down to size.

Banks, undefeated in 20 fights, recently captured the IBO title when he out-pointed Vincenzo Rossitto on the Klitschko-Thompson undercard in Germany.

A protege of Manny Steward, Banks comes from Detroit and boxes out of the Kronk Gym, registering 14 KOs in his impressive professional career.

Warren said, “He’s been pestering me for another world title chance since that loss to Haye, and I’m pleased that I’ve been able to deliver.”

A date and venue for the fight will be confirmed at a later date.