Khan announces Golden Boy alliance

Amir Khan has announced a deal with American promoter Golden Boy Promotions as he bids to crack the United States.

The 2004 Olympic silver medallist and holder of the WBA light-welterweight title has spoken of his desire to make his American debut recently after relocating to California to train under Freddie Roach.

Golden Boy released a statement announcing "a strategic alliance" with Khan's own company to promote the Bolton fighter, who has been with Frank Warren since turning professional in 2005.

Khan, 23, said: "I am really happy Khan Promotions is partnering with Golden Boy as I know that together they will be the right team to help me continue my career as an elite fighter and to expand my fan base to the United States and around the world.

"I'm ready to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime and know that Golden Boy will help me accomplish these goals."

Khan (22-1, 16KOs) teamed up with renowned trainer Roach in the wake of his only career defeat, to Breidis Prescott in September 2008, and has turned his career around since.

After beating Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in March he defeated Andreas Kotelnik to take the WBA belt, defending it with a first-round stoppage of Dmitriy Salita in December.

Those impressive performances made a significant statement in America, not least to Oscar De La Hoya and his Golden Boy colleagues.

"In continuing with its goal to expand boxing on a global level, Golden Boy Promotions is extremely pleased to announce that a strategic alliance with Khan Promotions has been entered into to promote one of boxing's hottest young world champions, British superstar Amir Khan," said a statement from the American firm.

"Khan Promotions has teamed with Golden Boy to promote Khan with the goal of expanding his presence globally, particularly in the United States, and looks to continue his reign as world champion in the biggest and best fights."