By Ben Dirs in Bolton

Khan's next fight will be over eight rounds

Promoter Frank Warren says Amir Khan will soon be ready for his first title fight after his first-round knockout of Ryan Barrett in Bolton on Saturday.

Khan's ninth pro fight lasted less than two minutes, but Warren contended it was still a good learning experience.

"Within the next few months, we'll be looking at a title fight," said Warren.

"People ask what he learned from a one-round fight? We learned he picked his shots well, he's getting stronger and he can deal with a southpaw."

Khan, still only 19, claimed he did not intend to finish his latest fight so early and said he would be ready for a title fight in the middle of next year.

"I was up for going six rounds, I didn't think once to stop him - but I caught him with some good shots," said Khan, who was fighting in his home town for the first time since his pro debut last July.

"I've settled down and become more professional. My feet have slowed down, I'm picking my shots and I'm sitting back on my shots a bit more and getting that power.

"But I'm always learning and I've got a long way to go yet."

Warren reckoned Khan was still only 50% of what he could become, but was surprised at how quickly he disposed of his Thamesmead opponent.

"I fancied Amir to stop him, but I didn't think it would be in the first round," said Warren.

"He's maturing, getting stronger and he handled the southpaw, the first one he's faced, so well. The guy was higher in the rankings and nobody's done that to him."