Kotelnik tooth infection forces move
AMIR Khan’s big WBA World title clash against Andreas Kotelnik has been postponed for three weeks after the Ukraine suffered a minor injury and tooth infection, organisers have revealed.
The fight will now take place on Saturday 18 July and has moved from the O2 Arena to the Manchester Evening News (MEN) Arena.
Organisers said they were forced to move venue because the O2 Arena has already been booked for a Michael Jackson concert.
That means Khan will ironically return to the same venue which saw him triumph over former champion Marco Antonio Barrera in March.
”Firstly, I’m delighted that my World title fight against Kotelnik is still on and when July 18 comes I will never be more ready for him although, the postponement of the fight is a pain,” Khan said.
“In boxing these things happen so I have to be professional and stay focussed. However, when I’m the victor and I am finally crowned World champion it will make up for it.”
“Freddie Roach is adjusting my training accordingly so that I’m ready for the new date and I’m at my peak both physically and mentally,”
He added, “I was looking forward to headlining at the O2 Arena again and to fighting in the capital as I have a lot of fans in London. I always get a great reception there so hopefully I can go back sometime soon, maybe for my first defence! I had a great night at the M.E.N Arena against Barrera last time out and now I aim to win the World title against Kotelnik there too.”
Promoter Frank Warren said: “Kotelnik has suffered an unfortunate injury and the added infection has scuppered his chances of fighting on 27th June. Kotelnik, like everyone, is really sorry for the postponement but to his credit he is fighting at the earliest possible opportunity.
“This is a good fight for the fans and a great fight for Amir Khan to step up to the next level and become World Champion. The postponement, whilst unfortunate is minimal and I am pleased that the opportunity was not lost by us for Khan to get his challenge. Albeit three weeks later than planned, Saturday 18th July will be the making of Amir Khan.”
“Freddie Roach is adjusting my training accordingly so that I’m ready for the new date and I’m at my peak both physically and mentally,”
He added, “I was looking forward to headlining at the O2 Arena again and to fighting in the capital as I have a lot of fans in London. I always get a great reception there so hopefully I can go back sometime soon, maybe for my first defence! I had a great night at the M.E.N Arena against Barrera last time out and now I aim to win the World title against Kotelnik there too.”
Promoter Frank Warren said: “Kotelnik has suffered an unfortunate injury and the added infection has scuppered his chances of fighting on 27th June. Kotelnik, like everyone, is really sorry for the postponement but to his credit he is fighting at the earliest possible opportunity.
“This is a good fight for the fans and a great fight for Amir Khan to step up to the next level and become World Champion. The postponement, whilst unfortunate is minimal and I am pleased that the opportunity was not lost by us for Khan to get his challenge. Albeit three weeks later than planned, Saturday 18th July will be the making of Amir Khan.”
Fans who have purchased tickets for the fight at the O2 Arena are being asked to return them to their point of purchase for an exchange or refund.
