Bolton could become the country's boxing capital following the decision to switch Amir Khan's professional debut to his hometown.

Promoter Frank Warren announced he has changed the venue for Khan's first paid appearance on Saturday, July 16, from London's ExCel Centre to the 6,000-capacity Bolton Arena - and that it could be the first of many professional fights in Bolton.

Warren said: "Amir had his last amateur fight against Mario Kindelan in Bolton at the nearby Reebok Stadium so it's fitting that he should have his first professional fight in his hometown.

"We expect to be going back to Bolton, where he has a fantastic following, for a lot of fights in the future."

The 18-year-old Olympic silver medallist will appear on the undercard of Matt Skelton's British heavyweight title defence against Danny Williams which has also been moved north.

Khan, who avenged his Athens 2004 lightweight final defeat by overcoming Kindelan last Saturday, said: "It will be great to have my first pro fight in front of my own supporters."

Warren is hoping to announce the name of Khan's debut opponent next week and added: "It will be a British fighter."

khan's manager Asif Vali was delighted with the switch to Bolton.

"We are very confident we can sell all the tickets and it will be a fantastic night," he said. "Not only will Amir be making his professional debut, but fans will be able to see a British title fight.

"We had to move quickly but we received great support from the Arena, Bolton Council and Bolton Wanderers to get this on."

Mike Bain, managing director of Bolton Arena said: "It's not 100 per cent certain yet, but we are very keen to do it.

"We will be speaking with Frank Warren's team a week today to negotiate and sort out the fine detail.

"This would be fantastic for Bolton. At the moment Amir's following is biggest in Bolton and having the fight here makes a lot of sense."

Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Frank White, said: "As former Chair of Bolton Arena we opened the Arena to Amir for training facilities and I am delighted that he has recognised our support for him by giving his support back to us - once again putting Bolton on the international sporting map."

Bolton could become the country's boxing capital following the decision to switch Amir Khan's professional debut to his hometown.

Promoter Frank Warren announced he has changed the venue for Khan's first paid appearance on Saturday, July 16, from London's ExCel Centre to the 6,000-capacity Bolton Arena - and that it could be the first of many professional fights in Bolton.

Warren said: "Amir had his last amateur fight against Mario Kindelan in Bolton at the nearby Reebok Stadium so it's fitting that he should have his first professional fight in his hometown.

"We expect to be going back to Bolton, where he has a fantastic following, for a lot of fights in the future."

The 18-year-old Olympic silver medallist will appear on the undercard of Matt Skelton's British heavyweight title defence against Danny Williams which has also been moved north.

Khan, who avenged his Athens 2004 lightweight final defeat by overcoming Kindelan last Saturday, said: "It will be great to have my first pro fight in front of my own supporters."

Warren is hoping to announce the name of Khan's debut opponent next week and added: "It will be a British fighter."

khan's manager Asif Vali was delighted with the switch to Bolton.

"We are very confident we can sell all the tickets and it will be a fantastic night," he said. "Not only will Amir be making his professional debut, but fans will be able to see a British title fight.

"We had to move quickly but we received great support from the Arena, Bolton Council and Bolton Wanderers to get this on."

Mike Bain, managing director of Bolton Arena said: "It's not 100 per cent certain yet, but we are very keen to do it.

"We will be speaking with Frank Warren's team a week today to negotiate and sort out the fine detail.

"This would be fantastic for Bolton. At the moment Amir's following is biggest in Bolton and having the fight here makes a lot of sense."

Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Frank White, said: "As former Chair of Bolton Arena we opened the Arena to Amir for training facilities and I am delighted that he has recognised our support for him by giving his support back to us - once again putting Bolton on the international sporting map."

Bolton could become the country's boxing capital following the decision to switch Amir Khan's professional debut to his hometown.

Promoter Frank Warren announced he has changed the venue for Khan's first paid appearance on Saturday, July 16, from London's ExCel Centre to the 6,000-capacity Bolton Arena - and that it could be the first of many professional fights in Bolton.

Warren said: "Amir had his last amateur fight against Mario Kindelan in Bolton at the nearby Reebok Stadium so it's fitting that he should have his first professional fight in his hometown.

"We expect to be going back to Bolton, where he has a fantastic following, for a lot of fights in the future."

The 18-year-old Olympic silver medallist will appear on the undercard of Matt Skelton's British heavyweight title defence against Danny Williams which has also been moved north.

Khan, who avenged his Athens 2004 lightweight final defeat by overcoming Kindelan last Saturday, said: "It will be great to have my first pro fight in front of my own supporters."

Warren is hoping to announce the name of Khan's debut opponent next week and added: "It will be a British fighter."

khan's manager Asif Vali was delighted with the switch to Bolton.

"We are very confident we can sell all the tickets and it will be a fantastic night," he said. "Not only will Amir be making his professional debut, but fans will be able to see a British title fight.

"We had to move quickly but we received great support from the Arena, Bolton Council and Bolton Wanderers to get this on."

Mike Bain, managing director of Bolton Arena said: "It's not 100 per cent certain yet, but we are very keen to do it.

"We will be speaking with Frank Warren's team a week today to negotiate and sort out the fine detail.

"This would be fantastic for Bolton. At the moment Amir's following is biggest in Bolton and having the fight here makes a lot of sense."

Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Frank White, said: "As former Chair of Bolton Arena we opened the Arena to Amir for training facilities and I am delighted that he has recognised our support for him by giving his support back to us - once again putting Bolton on the international sporting map."