Earl says sorry but will make Khan pay

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

But while Earl has said sorry for mouthing off, he insists he will have no regrets about punching Khan to his first defeat in 15 fights.

Ready for battle: Amir Khan and Commonwealth title challenger Graham Earl

"I let myself down," said Earl. "You can't dislike someone if you don't know them. I don't know Amir, so I don't hate him. But I've been No1 lightweight in this country for a long time and he is trying to take that away.

"I don't think he's ready to step up to my level, but he says he's going to show me he is. Maybe that's why there's been needle between us."

Khan and his promoter, Frank Warren, have been stung by criticism over the standard of opponents lined up for the Olympic silver medallist as he learns his trade as a professional.

But there can be no quibble about Earl, who has lost only two of his 27 contests. The second of those defeats came in a fight for the WBO interim lightweight crown at Wembley Arena in February when the 29-year-old from Luton displayed real bravery before succumbing in the fifth round to Australian Michael Katsidis.

Since then Earl has split from Johnny Eames and returned to his former trainer, Jimmy Turner. He claims the switch, and the benefit of a training camp in Florida, will confirm he remains a class above Khan.

Earl said: "Amir did well as an amateur but his learning curve should be going on. He's not ready for such a big leap."

Khan's inexperience was exposed in July when Willie Limond, hardly a big puncher, put him on the canvas. He recovered to stop the Scot and said: "That was the best thing that ever happened to me. It made me realise I'm not invincible."

Khan plans a double celebration on Saturday, combining victory over Earl with his 21st birthday. The party will climax with a special screening of Ricky Hatton's fight in Las Vegas.