Champion Khan to use 'challenger' mentality in fight

London: Amir Khan will fight with a challenger's mentality when he takes on tough New Yorker Dmitry Salita in the first defence of his WBA light-welterweight title in Newcastle today.

Khan, who won a points decision against Andreas Kotelnik in July in his first world title fight, has been made a clear favourite by British bookmakers, but unbeaten Salita could pose a serious threat to the Briton's hopes of dominating the division.

"I know what people say, that it's tougher to keep hold of a title than to win one," 22-year-old Khan, who has suffered one defeat in 22 fights since turning pro as a teenager, said at a news conference on Thursday.

Challenge

"That has been in my mind but I've been training so hard for this fight... even though I'm the champion, I will go in like a challenger and fight like a challenger.

"He'll bring out the best in me. I don't get many fighters who are as skilful as me but I think Salita is... He's got a style which is probably going to make me look good...he's got a big heart in the ring."

Khan, whose American trainer Freddie Roach believes could emulate pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao in years to come, has every reason to be a little cautious. "That beautiful WBA belt belongs to me," Salita, who has never lost in 32 fights and is the mandatory challenger, said.