Boxing: Khan Takes Title Shot at Limond

Amir Khan fights for the first major championship belt of his career on July 17, when he challenges Glasgow's Willie Limond for the Commonwealth lightweight title at the O2 Arena, which opens in the former Millennium Dome in London in June.

The 20-year-old 2004 Olympic silver medallist, who has won all 12 of his professional contests, will be facing a significant increase in the class of the opposition. Limond has won 28 of his 29 fights, losing only to Alex Arthur in challenging for the British super-featherweight title four years ago.

"People think I've had easy fights so far and that I'm not being hit. But that's because they can't catch me," said Khan. "But I think this will be a big step up for me. Willie Limond can take a punch and give it back. I will get hit but I will prove I can take a shot as well."

Limond, 28, is a skilful and respected boxer who sees the confrontation as "a massive fight". He added: "I've no illusions about this, it will be a tough fight for me and for Amir. He is so fast that he will pick you off if you let him. But I'll be using my brain. I believe I am better as a lightweight than I was as a super-feather, and that I am getting better with every fight."

The promoter Frank Warren believes the event will draw a 20,000 crowd to the new arena and he has announced a fight between Dagenham's Nicky Cook and Steven Luevano of the United States for the vacant WBO featherweight title on the same bill.

Cook, 27, who is undefeated, is ranked No2 by the WBO with 26-year-old Luevano at No1. Cook has been awaiting a world title opportunity since the former champion Scott Harrison pulled out of a proposed title defence against him whih had been scheduled for last year.

"I promised I would get Nicky a world title fight this year," said Warren. "What happened with Harrison was a disgrace and Nicky was the one who suffered. He had spent £20,000 on a training camp, all for nothing. But he showed great dignity and now he is getting his opportunity."