British boxing superstar Amir ‘King’ Khan’s first fight in the UK in two years will be screened LIVE and exclusive on The Channel of Champions BoxNation!
Khan, the former unified IBF & WBA Super World Light-Welterweight Champion, takes on former World Champion Julio ‘The Kidd’ Diaz on Saturday 27th April at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield.
The Bolton fighter, who’s heroic efforts as a 17-year-old at the 2004 Athens Olympics to win a Silver medal captured the world’s attention, has gone on to become one of the biggest names in world boxing with his exciting all-action performances, lighting speed, dazzling combinations and knockout power.
At just 26, Khan has faced and beaten some of the best in the business, including World Champions Marco Antonio Barrera, Paul Malignaggi, Marcos Maidana and Zab Judah.
He’s on the road back to regaining his world titles after his loss to Danny Garcia last July and has racked up a win against Carlos Molina last December, completely outclassing the unbeaten American and forcing him to quit on his stool at the end of the tenth round.
Diaz, 33, from Jiquilpan, Mexico, who now fights out California, USA, comes into the fight with the upper-hand in experience over a 14-year career and 48 fights. A former IBF World Champion at lightweight, Diaz aims to win a second divisional world title and impressive knockout wins against Henry Aurad and Hector Sanchez, plus a draw against unbeaten prospect Shawn Porter – which many thought he won – have put him back on track again.
Khan is excited to return to the UK with his last fight here in April 2011 – a sixth round technical decision over Belfast’s Paul McCloskey to retain his WBA World title – and is looking forward to making his debut on BoxNation.
“I’m very excited to be on BoxNation, a channel which has shown some of the biggest fights around. It’s proved to be a great platform for boxing and on April 27th I can’t wait to display my skills against Julio Diaz. I know Julio will be bringing it and is coming to fight but I’m determined to put on a show in what will be my first bout back in Britain in two years. I’m delighted we have managed to secure this deal and all I’m concentrating on is making sure that everyone who tunes in gets to see an exciting matchup. It will be a night not to be missed.” Said Khan.
Khan v Diaz will form one half of a gigantic double-header on BoxNation from two continents with Britain’s Martin Murray challenging WBC World Middleweight Champion, top three pound-for-pound best and Argentine hero Sergio Martinez LIVE and exclusive later that night from Buenos Aires.
Jim McMunn, General Manager of BoxNation said: “The Khan fight is a real coup for us. Khan is Britain’s most exciting fighter and one of the few who engages the general sports fan as well as the boxing enthusiast. His style and personality make him real box office and we are thrilled to have him. April 27 is a huge night on BoxNation with Amir topping the bill but also Martin Murray from Ricky Hatton’s stable fighting Sergio Martinez for the world title in Argentina. With Cleverly and Chisora the week before and Floyd Mayweather the following week it is an unbelievable schedule and BoxNation continues to deliver the best of boxing.”
“We are very excited to have Amir Khan fighting on BoxNation,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. “As one of the U.K.’s top stars, it’s important for Amir to be showcased on the best television networks for his fans. We are excited to be working with BoxNation on not only the Khan vs. Diaz fight in April, but also again in May on the year’s biggest night of boxing featuring Floyd Mayweather vs. Robert Guerrero.”
Khan’s debut on BoxNation cements the channels position as the undisputed best with the announcement last week that it has secured the LIVE and exclusive UK rights for the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter Floyd Mayweather Jnr’s WBC World Welterweight title defence against Robert Guerrero from the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, on Saturday 4th May.
