Boxing: Birthday boy Khan aiming to lord it over Earl.

Byline: BY PHIL BARNETT

AMIR KHAN is relishing what he admits will be the biggest step up in class of his fledgling career when he faces former world title contender GrahamEarl tomorrow.

Khan, who turns 21 on the day of the fight, will make the second defence of his Commonwealth lightweight title at the Bolton Arena this weekend.

And with the Lancastrian having been guided by the steady hand of promoter Frank Warren since turning professional in July 2005, Earl undoubtedly represents by far the toughest opposition he has faced so far.

"Yes, definitely," Khan agreed. "It's the next step up for me in the boxing game. Grahamhas won European titles, the WBU belt, British, Commonwealth titles. So yes, this is the next step up for me and it's going to take me to that next level."

Khan added: "Training couldn't have gone any better, not only the strength and conditioning but we've also been putting new things in in the training camp that I've not done before.

"Myself and Oliver (Harrison, trainer) have been working on different things as well.

"The fitness is there and the strength is there.

"I've gone on a diet with my nutritionist and I'm already on the weight today. I'm nine stone 10 pounds now, sat here. So I'm not struggling with the weight, I'm making it very easily. I feel fit and think I'm in the best shape ever.

So I will be strong and sharp for this fight."

Earl said: "Training's gone very, very well, the best I believe it ever has.

"I've trained for this like no other fight. I've done things that had maybe slipped in the past, that I've not bothered doing, so everything's gone right.

"There have been no shortcuts, so there will be no excuses."

CAPTION(S):

Defending champion Amir Khan