Amir Khan says he hasn’t felt such pressure before a fight since he defeated Mario Kindelan shortly before turning professional in 2005. Khan will face Oisin Fagan at London’s ExCel Arena tomorrow night live on Sky Box Office. The pair will fight for the Vacant WBA International lightweight title over 12 rounds, and it is Khan’s first outing since he was stopped by Breidis Prescott in September..
As a result of the defeat, Khan, 21, had to put his world title ambitions on hold and go back to the drawing board, and admits that another set back will leave his career in tatters.
“I definitely a bit nervous, but in a good way,” said Khan. “The last time I felt like this was before the second Kindelan fight.
“I knew that I needed to win that one. When I faced him in the Olympic final, there wasn’t much pressure on me because I’d already exceeded expectations.
“But when I fought Kindelan the second time, I was about to turn professional and losing to him would have taken the gloss off my debut.
“It would really have burst my bubble, and I needed to beat him.
“It’s the same against Fagan. I can write off the Prescott defeat to a bad night at the office, but I can’t afford to lose for a second time.
“The pressure on me tomorrow night will be immense, but I thrive in that kind of environment and anyone who saw me against Kindelan in Bolton will know that.
“I’ll feel a few nerves tomorrow night when I’m in my dressing room, but as a professional sportsman there needs to be a bit of edge. As soon as I step through the ropes then I’ll be fine.”
Khan-Fagan forms part of Judgement Night which will be shown on Sky Box Office, and also features Oscar De La Hoya’s showdown with Manny Pacquiao live from Las Vegas.