Amir Khan looking to blast his way into title contention

Singapore’s Amir Khan has built a reputation as one of ONE Championship’s brightest rising stars.

Now, the 8-2 lightweight knockout artist says the time is right to line himself up for a shot at the ONE Lightweight World Title, recently won by featherweight kingpin Martin Nguyen.

Nguyen’s stunning one-punch KO of former champ Eduard Folayang shocked the martial arts world. But Khan says he’s ready to bring his own brand of finishing power to the fore, starting at ONE: IMMORTAL PURSUIT on 24 November.

Khan has seven knockout finishes in ONE Championship - a promotional record - but says it’s not just a simple case of punching power.

“I do not think it is my power difference compared to any other athlete,” he explained.

“I just think it is just my mentality. My main goal is to just knock people out. I do not like to let it go to the judges, because you never know [the result].”

That mentality was born after a frustrating split-decision loss to Shannon Wiritchai back in 2015. After losing out in the eyes of the judges, Khan resolved to pursue the finish in every fight from that moment on.

“The Shannon match was really close — a split decision — so I was not really happy with it,” he says. “So just the mindset I have now is whenever I go out there, I am looking to finish, whether it is the first, second, or third round.”

It’s an approach that has paid dividends. Since that loss, Khan has gone on a tear, winning all five of his bouts since by stoppage.

The 23-year-old will be looking to make it six in a row, when he lines up opposite experienced Australian campaigner Adrian Pang, who harbours championship ambitions of his own in the ONE lightweight division.

Pang, a veteran of 34 career martial arts bouts, is making his long-awaited return to the cage after a year away, as he looks to snap a two-fight losing streak and surge back into championship contention.

Khan says he’s ready to turn back his experienced opponent and make a definitive statement with another stoppage victory.

“I feel I am ready to be a world champion any time soon,” he stated.

“I believe once I put away Adrian Pang, I will be ready for the world championship.

“Adrian Pang is one of the top guys right now, so a title shot makes sense if I beat him.”

At 23 years of age and with just 10 fights under his belt, Khan is still young in his career compared to Pang, but he says he has the skillset to overcome the experience advantage his opponent will bring on November 24.

“He is very experienced. He has got quadruple the amount of experience that I have. He has been around for a long time,” he said.

“He is just really tough and durable. I’ve just got to take my time and not fall into his game plan. Right when the bell starts, he likes to march forward and bring the action to people.

“I will just keep my range, dance around him a little bit, and wear him out. He is going to be swinging for the fences, from what I visualise. I’ll make him ticked off a bit, and then take him out in the second round.”