Thaxton vows to upstage Khan

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Thaxton challenges Yuri Romanov for the European title on Friday night, 24 hours before Khan takes on Martin Kristjansen in Bolton in a WBO eliminator, and Thaxton is determined to steal the limelight.

He said: "My fight is much tougher as I am fighting a real champion for a real title. All Khan seems interested in these days is taking on non-punchers who won't pose him a threat."

He added: "Khan's a fantastic talent but let's see how good he really is. I intend to make a statement by doing a number on Romanov then it will make a fight between the two of us even harder to ignore.

"Khan has been over-protected so far. I'm convinced that if I didn't have a reputation as a puncher, I'd have fought him by now. They're too worried about his chin to take the risk."

Khan shrugged off Thaxton's taunts, insisting he is focusing on a world-title shot later this year once he has seen off the unbeaten Dane in his 17th professional test.

Khan said: "I want to clean up the lightweight division and I have no doubts I will be world champion by the end of this year. It is up to someone to take the chance and I am the man to do it."

The lightweight division was turned on its head last month with veteran Nate Campbell defeating Juan Diaz, and another 36-year-old, Joel Casamayor, stopping Michael Katsidis.

Khan added: "I think with my pace and speed I would wear them down. My hand speed and my power has won fights so far but going the 12-round distance last time has given me a lot of confidence."