Amir Khan puts his WBC and IBF light-welterweight titles on the line against Lamont Peterson in Washington DC tonight as ‘King’ Khan continues his stateside journey.

The 25-year-old from Bolton must put on an impressive display against the home-town fighter if he is to secure the big fights he so craves. However, that may be easier said than done when he steps into the ring with a tough and durable fighter who has picked himself off the canvas and went the distance with both Timothy Bradley and Victor Ortiz.

Peterson lost a unanimous decision against Bradley and was fortunate to leave the ring with a draw against Ortiz but in both fights there was a hint at what he is really capable of. The 27-year-old must raise his game and fight with consistency throughout if he is to become a world champion.

Khan however has all the necessary attributes to take control of the fight and I daresay cruise to a comfortable victory. Whether he can utilise these skills to full effect will be seen on the night, but speed, accuracy and strength certainly lie in his favour. As do the expectations of a large majority of the boxing fraternity.