Amir Khan's next fight is Sky PPV by Ian McNeilly Aug 15th 2008

Amir Khan has signed a ‘multi-fight deal' with Sky Sports and will fight a man even British boxing anoraks will find difficult to recognise – on a Pay Per View event. Filling the opposite corner at the MEN Arena on September 6th is Colombian Breidis Prescott. Who? Prescott, 25, has a wonderful paper record – 19-0 with 17 knockouts – but has fought no one of note, at least in world class terms. Then again, the guy should be able to punch – any opponent needs knocking over. Unless he can't box a lick (I personally have absolutely no idea), with Khan's chin he should be in with a chance.  Staggeringly, despite his flaws being so blatantly exposed by veteran Michael Gomez, who dropped him with a telegraphed hook in his last fight, plus not having fought a genuine world class lightweight near his peak yet, Khan still seems to think he is on the verge of becoming a world champion. "I'm now so close to achieving my ambition of becoming a world champion - and I hope I can share that defining moment on Sky," says the Commonwealth lightweight champion. The alarming thing is that the way boxing works these days, Khan could be right. And he couldn't have anyone better to guide him than promotional outfit Sports Network. Say what you like about them (not that many do - BBN tries to and as a result we are still denied press accreditation to their shows) but they are matchmakers supreme.  If anyone can guide the chinny, headstrong Khan to the top, they can. But is the card PPV quality? Those of us who already pay a substantial amount in fees to Sky should expect this type of card to be readily available as part and parcel of one's standard subscription. Yes, there is the WBO super-featherweight title match between Alex Arthur and Nicky Cook but throw away the belt and that is merely a decent European level match. There's also a bout between Audley Harrison and Martin Rogan (if confirmed – mysteriously it has Harrison v TBA on Sky's website) and some decent domestic matches. But is this enough to justify shelling out yet another £14.95 on top of the £40 or so you might already be paying on an unremitting monthly basis? Not for me, I'm afraid. Then again, I say that as a sober man. Such is the general support for Khan – as opposed to the hardcore fans, many of whom are tiring of the rickety bandwagon – the MEN will be a sell out and no doubt he'll do reasonable PPV numbers too. One can only guess where this leaves the relationship between Setanta Sports and Sports Network. One awaits a statement from the Irish broadcaster with interest. After Sports Network signed an ‘exclusive' contract with Setanta Sports (whilst Khan was still with ITV), it was believed that the Bolton man would find a home on that channel. A Setanta Sports spokesman told me some months ago that this was ‘expected' but came short of saying it was signed and sealed. What might very well have thrown a spanner into those works is when Setanta Sports signed a deal with Hayemaker Promotions for coverage of David Haye's fights. Warren, at the time, said he was ‘very angry'. As the undercard of the MEN card is full of Sports Network prospects, goodness knows what type of agreement Setanta and Sports Network actually have – it's difficult for the layman to penetrate. Sports Network had a long-standing relationship with Sky Sports (ah, remember those Naz nights?) which ended a few years ago. The promoter moved to ITV and then to Setanta Sports. In the interim, Sky Sports has had a policy of only paying for individual fights they want to see and, as a result, the British title has increased in prominence and we've had some cracking domestic cards with a sprinkling of top international action. This ‘multi-fight deal', on the face of it, seems to be a change of policy. So now, Sports Network and Amir Khan – despite his faults he's undoubtedly the most marketable commodity in British boxing for the general public, Hatton excepted (though David Haye is catching up) – are back with Sky. Only in boxing. Sky are already selling it on the strapline ‘See Amir Khan's world title bid take shape'. Vic Wakeling, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: "All the big names in British boxing in recent years have won major world title fights on Sky, and we are delighted to welcome Amir Khan to the list. When he fights for a world title will be down to Amir and his advisors, but we shall be there." Sports Network's Frank Warren said: "I'm delighted to have agreed a new promotional deal with Sky, bringing around 20 shows this year, and to return to where I previously spent ten great years creating superstars like Joe Calzaghe, Ricky Hatton and Naseem Hamed. "Sky viewers are now in for a real treat as they watch an exciting and dramatic phase of Amir Khan's career unfold in front of them as he goes from unbeaten prospect and Commonwealth lightweight champion to a world champion. "Along with big world title fights, I'm thrilled that some of the best young and talented boxers in Britain that I promote also feature prominently and will develop into stars of the future - all on Sky." The deal with Sports Network will see them fill dates for Friday Fight Night as well as Sky Box Office.

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Warren and boys back on SKY .... Aug 16th 2008, 19:23:56 by zzutak 'Sky Sports has had a policy of only paying for individual fights they want to see and, as a result, the British title has increased in prominence and we've had some cracking domestic cards with a sprinkling of top international action' One can only hope this quality control is maintained, would be loathe to see the WBU/WBF/IBO etc become prevalent again A few years back Khan would probably have won the WBU 'World Title' in about his tenth fight or so and the Breidis Prescott would be his tenth 'defence' of this specious bauble Has anyone had a look at Prescott's record? He's only fought five guys with winning records, seven of his first eight opponents didn't have a win to their name!! Khan would have been better fighting Dave Stewart as originally mooted, at least we knew Dave could fight   I HATE STEVE BUNCE WITH A PASSION! Aug 15th 2008, 08:58:19 by aksel Just looking at the man makes me change channels, setanta should let him go, they are losing viewers because of that man, he is a cretin, lacks boxing knowledge bigtime Period. Regards Aksel