Thaxton vows to upstage Khan

British lightweight champion Jon Thaxton is relishing his chance to finally go head to head with Amir Khan this weekend - even though the pair are lacing on the gloves 200 miles apart.

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."