Khan beat Scott Lawton in his last fight

Khan will face former WBU champion Earl, 29, on his 21st birthday at the Bolton Arena with both fighters itching for a showdown.

"A fight between us has been brewing for a while now and it's time to get business settled," said Khan.

"This is a coming of age fight for me and I'm delighted that it's Earl in the opposite corner that I'm facing."

He added: "He's very experienced and has been around a long time. When he made his pro-debut in 1997 I was still just a 10-year-old kid.

"I've seen plenty of his fights against the likes of Michael Katsidis, Steve Murray and Bobby Vanzie and I know what to expect from him - plenty of heart and power.

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"I'm in this sport to become a world champion and a great and there is no way Earl is going to stop me achieving this."

Earl has taunted Khan by saying he will teach him a boxing lesson and is a seasoned campaigner at 135lb.

He has lost just two fights in a 25-fight career, with 12 knock-out wins.

Earl said: "I'm not an opponent for anybody and certainly not a building block for his record.

"Khan is a talented kid but he has not operated on my level and he will find out the hard way on his birthday that he has got a present that he never wanted.

"He's been like a constant thorn in my side, opening his mouth about fighting me and dismissing me and now it is time for him to put-up or shut-up."