Khan focused despite TV issue

Amir Khan insists his preparations for Saturday's WBA light-welterweight title defence against Paul McCloskey have not been hampered by a row over television rights.

After being initially billed as a Sky Box Office bout, the Manchester fight was downgraded to the broadcaster's regular subscription channels, before Khan confirmed he will instead appear on minor pay-per-view station Primetime TV. Press Association Sport understands Sky took the event off box office as a quality control decision, after a strong undercard was weakened by withdrawals.

However, Khan's camp were unhappy to be placed on Sky Sports 3 and he admits the situation has been costly for him, but remains focused on the fight as he said: "This is what happens in boxing. There are going to be times when there are pay cuts, but what drives me is all the training I have done."

He added: "You know, it's a big lump sum that's been cut but what can you do? That's boxing for you.

"I'm still young. My job is to get in the ring and fight. I just have to stay focused and bigger paydays will come."

Khan's first fight in England since 2009 will be shown on a channel which has previously supported another British world champion, Carl Froch, despite Primetime being a relatively minor player in the industry.

Khan took part in a media conference call on Monday during which the change in broadcaster was announced, although his camp were reluctant to discuss the situation.

However, the 24-year-old fighter will surely be bitterly disappointed by the situation after December's thrilling win over Marcos Maidana proved such a hit with fight fans and seemed set to significantly boost his box-office appeal.

Khan's business manager Asif Vali denied there was a lack of interest in Saturday's fight against Northern Irishman McCloskey.

He said: "We've had over 300 media accreditation applications. There is huge interest. Fans want to see it. We're hoping for a sell-out at the MEN Arena."