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Summary Amir Khan will defend his two super-lightweight world titles against Lamont Peterson.
Amir Khan is staking his claim alongside Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather as a pound-for-pound king, but the British boxer knows his lofty dreams could be dashed by US challenger Lamont Peterson.Khan made it clear on Thursday that while he is proud to be mentioned as a potential future foe for boxings superstars, his priority is defending two super-lightweight world titles on December 10 at Washington Convention Center.All my dreams can be taken away. Hes a dangerous fighter, Khan said. That fight is in the future. It would be a little bit stupid to look past this fight. Its not going to be easy. Its going to be an explosive fight.Khan is in the mix as a potential next foe for unbeaten Floyd Mayweather if the US star is unable to reach terms with Filipino icon Pacquiao next year for a long-awaited showdown. But Khan is patient about such talk.Its a bit too soon for Mayweather, Khan said. Next year Im looking at Mayweather. These fights are taking me to that level. If I beat Lamont, it will take me closer to being ready for that fight.Khan, 26-1 with 18 knockouts, knows the damage a loss can do. He was stopped in the first round by Breidis Prescott in 2008 in a stunning setback before fighting back to become a world champion a year later.If I get beat thats going to be over and I want it to last for a long time, Khan said. I cant afford to lose. I made that mistake before and I learned from it. I have to win this fight and I have to take him out.Peterson, 29-1-1 with 15 knockouts, hopes to claim the International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association titles by winning in his hometown.Its a dream come true for me, Peterson said. Khan will train hard to defend the titles but I will train harder to protect my home turf and keep those titles here.Peterson says he feels Khans praise of him is heartfelt and not a mere con job for a champion looking ahead.
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