Lee McAllister has said that he hopes to take Denis Shafikov’s EBU light-welterweight belt and then challenge Amir Khan for a world title.

The 29-year-old Commonwealth and IBO international champion will fight Shafikov at Aberdeen Exhibition Centre on February 25. He believes the occasion could put him on the map and set up a bigger bout.

"As soon as you have the European title, it's world title shots in America and things like that, big massive fights,” McAllister said.

"The last light-welterweight European champion from Britain was (Paul) McCloskey and he got a shot at Khan.

"If I get a shot at Khan next year I will be buzzing. I would love a fight with Khan.

"But it would be a massive achievement to win this European title.

"I have only have a few years left and whatever I achieve in the next three years, that will be it, my dreams will be finished and I will have to go back to get a normal job like everyone else

The Aberdeen fighter said that he was well aware that Shafikov would provide the toughest test of his career so far. He was bullish about his chances and said he would be concentrating on his own qualities rather than dwelling on the dangers the 24-year old Russian would pose.

"Shirkov will come over and try to bulldoze me but he is in for a shock,” he said. “I will be ready to knock him out.

"On paper it will be my hardest fight to date but I will prepare right and he will get sent back with his tail between his legs.

"But to be honest, I'm not really interested in him. I am quite happy to do my own thing and let him worry about me. He has no chance."