Khan must wait for world title shot

Khan floored Kristjansen three times in an explosive finish to move into pole position in the WBO rankings - but politics are likely to conspire to make the 21-year-old wait a little longer for his shot at the big time.

His promoter Frank Warren said: "I'd be a liar if I said I wanted a world title fight now. I'd like to see him have one more fight because the more fights he has the more experience he is going to get."

New WBO champion Nate Campbell is likely to be ordered to defend first against interim title holder Joel Casamayor, and Warren admits that could come as a blessing in disguise for his fighter, who was forced to work hard for his win against a tough opponent who performed better than expected.

"The WBO are going to sort out what's happening then we'll make a collective decision," Warren said. "Amir will fight in June but they won't have it sorted out by then. But whatever happens Amir will be next in line."

Khan, who confirmed after the fight he is to relinquish his Commonwealth title in search of greater prizes, was given arguably his most valuable test to date by the Dane, who boasted an average record of 19 wins from 24 fights.

Khan said: "I've got no doubts I'm going to become world champion and fights like these are just what I need to become a better fighter. He was tough and made me think about what I had to do.

"These fights will make me a much better fighter and give me the experience I need to go on and become world champion. I know it's not far away now and I can see it."

Defeated Kristjansen said: "He's so fast, he has good combinations with both hands. I was a little bit surprised that he was that fast and I think he is definitely ready for a world title shot."

Afterwards, Khan confirmed he would not go through with a newly-mandated Commonwealth title defence against Jon Thaxton, who was hammered by Yuri Romanov in a European title challenge on Friday night.