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Page last updated at 08:09 GMT, Tuesday, 9 September 2008 09:09 UK

Khan vows to retain trainer Rubio

Amir Khan
Khan's first fight under Rubio ended in his first defeat in 19 bouts

Amir Khan is planning to remain with his new trainer Jorge Rubio despite the Cuban's fateful suggestion of Breidis Prescott as an opponent.

Khan, 21, linked up with Rubio in July and Prescott was seen as a stepping stone towards a world title fight.

The Colombian went into Saturday's fight with 17 knockouts from 19 fights and knocked Khan out in 54 seconds.

But Khan told BBC Sport: "Rubio's a brilliant coach, I'll show what I've learnt in the next few fights."

Khan split with former coach Oliver Harrison in May after the 47-year-old had guided the 2004 Olympic silver medallist through his first 19 wins as a professional.

Dean Powell prepared Khan for his win again Michael Gomez before the Bolton fighter hired Rubio, a former coach of the Cuban national amateur squad.

I've still got my ambition to become a world champion and that's what I'm aiming for

Amir Khan
Khan was caught cold by Prescott, hitting the canvas for the first time after just 30 seconds and then for a second time moments later before being counted out.

"I didn't really get the chance to get into the fight and to show what I've learnt from Rubio," Khan, who relinquished his WBO intercontinental lightweight title, told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"What happened could have happened to anyone. It could have been Prescott on the other end of that.

"I've learnt a lot from Rubio in the last 8-10 weeks."

Frank Warren shouldered the blame for Khan's defeat but the lightweight also insists he is not on the lookout for a new promoter.

"I'm going to leave it with Frank, Frank's the right match-maker," said Khan.

606: DEBATE
BBC Sport's Ben Dirs
"He's done a great job with Naseem Hamed, Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe in previous years and I'm sure he can do the same with me.

"I'm going to leave it with him and hopefully I'll come back from this defeat stronger and I'll prove all the critics out there wrong."

Despite the setback, Khan is determined to come back stronger and build his way towards a world title fight and he is eyeing a comeback bout before the end of 2008.

"I don't want to stay out of it too long, I want to get back into it straight away," he said.

"I'm still young, I'm still hungry and I just want to get in there and get another fight out the way this year and from there go on to bigger things.

"I've still got my ambition to become a world champion and that's what I'm aiming for."

see also
Khan must learn lesson - Warren
07 Sep 08 |  Boxing
Khan knocked out in first round
06 Sep 08 |  Boxing
Khan to face Colombian Prescott
15 Aug 08 |  Boxing
Khan names Rubio as new trainer
26 Jul 08 |  Boxing
Arthur handed Barrera incentive
02 Sep 08 |  Boxing


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