Quick learner Khan eyes British belt

The 2004 Olympic silver medallist claimed his 11th stoppage win in his 14th professional fight by overwhelming Stoke's Scott Lawton with a barrage of blows to the head in the fourth round in Nottingham.

Khan, 20, had been floored by Willie Limond in July before the Scotsman failed to emerge for the eighth round. But he displayed a much tighter defence and better timing against Lawton.

Bolton-based Khan claimed it was his best display in the professional ranks and he is now willing to face Norwich's Jon Thaxton on December 8 after claiming he was unimpressed by the 33-year-old's British title defence against Scotsman Dave Stewart on Friday.

However, Khan is more likely to next face Luton's former British champion Graham Earl, who was destroyed by Australian Michael Katsidis in his last fight in February and was ringside on Saturday.

Khan said: "I want to prove I'm the best in Britain. Thaxton was too slow in his last fight and I don't think I'd have problems with him.

"Stewart has a similar style to me, he is a boxer, and gave him problems for the first half of the fight. It showed the way to beat him.

"Thaxton is strong because he used to be a light-welterweight but he still won't be able to take punches all night.

"I will be 21 on the night of my next fight when I will be allowed to fight for the British title, so we could do it next year.

"This was my best performance and it will take me to the next step up. I was up against a good guy and I proved to a lot of people that I could come back from my last fight and be stronger.

"It showed I have learned from the mistakes of my last fight and I'm more confident."

Indeed, that confidence was evident when he added: "I want to go for the world title fights. I'll have three or four fights and I'll be ready for the world title."

Khan ended the one-sided contest by shaking Lawton with a straight right before unloading a ferocious assault as his opponent was penned against the ropes.

Lawton, who had previously been stopped for a cut in seven rounds by Thaxton, could not handle Khan's speed or power and does not expect him to have any problems dealing with the domestic champion.

He said: "He's better than I expected. I didn't realise how hard he hits. Thaxton's punches hurt but I've never experienced anything like that.'

Khan's next opponent will be announced on Thursday.