After nearly two years of fighting in the U.S., Amir "King" Khan will return to Sheffield, England, to face veteran Julio Diaz on April 27 at Motorpoint Arena. The matchup figures to give Khan another opportunity to test the new, more disciplined boxing style that he has adopted since working with trainer Virgil Hunter.
Khan is 1-0 thus far with Hunter in his corner, having beaten Carlos Molina in his last fight in Los Angeles.
"April 27th is going to be a special night," said Khan. "It's been two years since I last fought in the United Kingdom and I can't wait to get in the ring in front of my fans. Julio Diaz is a former world champion and a very dangerous opponent who is coming off of an impressive performance in his last fight. I know he will be coming with guns blazing and I'm ready for whatever he has to throw at me. With my speed and boxing skills, and his power and experience, it makes for a really exciting matchup."
The bout is scheduled for twelve rounds and will be fought at a catch-weight of 143 pounds. Diaz also is coming off an impressive performance himself, having earned a draw against talented youngster Shawn Porter in his last fight.
"I'm not going to England for the fight to go to the scorecards. I'm fighting for the knockout," said Diaz. "I know the knockout is the only thing that will get me the win, so I'm training extra hard already in order to get a victory on Khan's home turf. I'm a heavy hitter and he can't take a punch, so to me, that is the perfect combination."
In addition, 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo will make his long-awaited professional debut in a four-round middleweight undercard bout.
"I'm proud to be British and so the opportunity to turn pro on such a big fight card in England is a dream come true," said Ogogo. "I want to become a world champion and this is the first very important step. I know what I have to do and that is to win and I want to win in style."
By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald and news services
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