Khan, who won a points decision against Andreas Kotelnik in July in his first world title fight, has been made a clear favourite by British bookmakers but unbeaten Salita could pose a serious threat to the Briton’s hopes of dominating the division.
“I know what people say, that it’s tougher to keep hold of a title than to win one,” the 22-year-old Khan, who has suffered one defeat in 22 fights since turning pro as a teenager, told a news conference yesterday.
“That has been in my mind but I’ve been training so hard for this fight, I’ve trained like a challenger even though I’m the champion. I will go in like a challenger and fight like a challenger.
“He’ll bring out the best in me. I don’t get many fighters who are as skilful as me but I think Salita is, he’s very skilful. He’s got a style which is probably going to make me look good. He’s tough and doesn’t give up, he’s got a big heart in the ring.”
Khan, whose American trainer Freddie Roach believes could emulate pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao in years to come, has every reason to be a little cautious.
Salita, an Orthodox Jew who never fights before sunset on the Sabbath, believes he should have got the first crack at Kotelnik and is determined to seize his chance to prove the point in Newcastle.
“That beautiful WBA belt belongs to me,” Salita, who has never lost in 32 fights and is the mandatory challenger, said. “I’ve worked very hard.
“My training has been more intense and longer and the hard work will pay off. Khan has never really fought a true junior welterweight, and I’ve been one since I was 17-years-old.”
Roach said Khan had not lost a round since he began working with him after a devastating first-round defeat by Breidis Prescott last year.
In that time the 2004 Olympic silver medallist has restored his reputation thanks mainly to a stoppage of Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera this year.
Khan’s attributes are his hand speed and silky movement but Salita, a pure light-welterweight rather than a lightweight who has moved up, could have the physical edge if the fight reaches the latter rounds.
Roach, however, was predicting a stoppage.
“I don’t see the fight going the distance,” he said. “Amir is punching better than ever and I think he will knock him out. I have every confidence in Amir.”
