Rising super-flyweight Haroon Khan returns to action against Francis Croes tonight as he looks to continue the impressive start to his professional career.
The Bolton-born boxer, whose brother Amir is hoping to land a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr, faces Middlesbrough’s Croes in a four-round contest at Ice Sheffield – a venue where the boxer won his debut fight.
Haroon, 22, has made an impressive start to his career in the paid ranks including a stunning stoppage of American Vincente Medellin in Atlantic City last year but has stressed 2014 will be key.
“I just want to stay as active as possible this year,” said Haroon. “My goal for 2014 is to get as many fights under my belt and gain more experience in the professional ranks.
“I want to test myself against different styles and opponents with the aim of really bringing me on this year.
“I’ve been spending a lot of time in the gym but nothing can beat actually getting in the ring and testing yourself there and it’s going to be a very important year for me and I’m really looking forward to it.”
The exciting prospect – who won Commonwealth bronze in Delhi in 2010 – has no doubt that victory over Croes could put him in the frame for title fights.
He added: “At the moment my mind is fully focused on winning my next fight against Francis Croes. I want to look good in the fight and show people the progress I’ve been making.
“I definitely want to be challenging for an English or British title in the near future but first I need to gain experience and keep doing what I’m doing – winning.
“I believe in my ability and my trainer Oliver Harrison believes in it and we’re in no doubts that if I keep working away we can get to where we want to get to – which is the top.”
Khan is expected to take a large contingent of fans with him to the Steel City in what could be the start of a telling year for the fighter.
Image courtesy of PA via YouTube, with thanks.
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