Since the moment Breidis Prescott caught Amir Khan with a devastating left hand in August 2008 the Bolton fighter has been rebuilding his career. Suffering a shock defeat to the unknown Colombian caused Khan to re-evaluate his boxing career and focus on restoring his shattered reputation.
Until that moment it seemed that the skilful Khan was destined to become one of Britain's finest talents. Under the guidance of veteran promoter, Frank Warren, the Olympic silver medallist had breezed past his opponents with an assured class and style.
Almost two years has passed since the loss to Prescott and in that time a lot has changed. In came legendary trainer Freddie Roach, the man behind the success of Manny Pacquaio, and out went promoter Frank Warren replaced by Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions. Khan also made the tough decision to leave his family behind and move permanently to Los Angeles.
"Things have moved on pretty quickly since the defeat to Prescott. I had to try and get back on my feet and move away from all the distractions, to a place where no one knew who I was," explains Khan. "I wanted to earn that respect again and although it was tough, it was certainly a good move. It has made me much more focused and determined."
A lot was made of Khan's decision to leave England and base himself in the States, but it has clearly had a positive effect. Working daily with Roach at his WildCard Boxing Club in Hollywood, California has clearly improved Khan's once susceptible defence. The experienced trainer has also instilled a newfound confidence in the 23-year-old champion.
"It's brilliant just to be a part of Freddie's camp as there are so many world champions there to learn from. Being able to watch a true great like Manny Pacquiao is really inspirational and it gives me a real push to succeed. Freddie also gives me plenty of support and makes me believe that I can beat anyone."
Khan's confidence is sky high after a string of impressive wins against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera, Andreas Kotelnik, in which he captured the WBA light-welterweight championship, and an emphatic first round knock out of Dmitry Salita.
Following these bouts, Khan made his American debut when he fought hometown favourite Paulie Malignaggi in Madison Square Gardens, New York. The British fighter dominated the contest which was eventually stopped in the 11th round, much to the delight of a largely American crowd who clearly appreciated the performance.
"It was amazing to fight in such a historic venue and to hear the support of the locals meant a lot. I think the American public will really enjoy my fights as I have a very fast and explosive style, which both boxing and non-boxing fans will enjoy."
Although Khan has successfully defended his WBA crown on two occasions, there are still a number of critics that doubt the fighter's resolve. Many have pointed to the fact that Malignaggi, a notoriously light puncher, was picked instead of the heavy handed Marcos Maidana or Michael Katsidis.
Khan, however, chooses not to listen to the negative press and stresses that he would happily take on the best the division has to offer. "If it was my choice I would fight Maidana and then the winner of the Bradley vs Alexander fight. That way I could unify the division and there could be no talk of me ducking any fighter.
"Unfortunately, it is never that easy as there is a great deal of politics taking place behind the scenes. If I had it my way though, I would beat Maidana and then take the WBC and IBF titles from Alexander."
A fight against the dangerous Marcos Maidana, followed by the unbeaten American Devon Alexander, would certainly test the skill levels of Khan. Yet, with the backing of De La Hoya's Golden Boy promotions there is every chance that these dream match ups could be made a reality.
In fact the man known as 'King Khan' is already looking towards the future and the possibility of stepping up to welterweight. A division that boasts two future hall of fame fighters in Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.
"In the next 12 months I want to be in the same position as Floyd and Manny. I most definitely want to step up to the 147 pound limit and be crowned the best pound for pound fighter in the world. That is my dream and I will be working hard towards achieving it."
It seems Khan is intent on following in the footsteps of his stable mate Manny Pacquaio and wants the world to know that he is now ready to achieve his potential. If he can recreate the Pacman's success, then Britain may soon be boasting the number one boxer in the world.
