Khan returns to terrestrial TV

Amir Khan's WBA light-welterweight title defence against Paulie Malignaggi on May 15 will be shown live on terrestrial television.

Despite walking away from live boxing last year, ITV will show the Bolton fighter's American debut when he faces New Yorker Malignaggi at Madison Square Garden. It is Khan's first contest in the United States, where he trains under Freddie Roach in Los Angeles, and will be shown live in the early hours of Sunday, May 16.

ITV's controller of sport Niall Sloane said: "We are delighted to bring ITV viewers Amir Khan's first USA outing in defence of his title from the legendary Madison Square Garden."

Khan began his career to much fanfare on ITV when he turned professional in 2005 but in 2008 switched to Sky Box Office. However, his first fight on satellite television was his spectacular first-round defeat by Breidis Prescott.

In 2008, ITV announced a two-year deal with Hennessy Sports and despite the excellent viewing figures for Carl Froch's WBC super-middleweight title win against Jean Pascal, their coverage petered out last year as they ended their involvement in the sport.

Meanwhile, Khan's preparations have been interrupted by visa issues currently preventing him from entering the United States.

The 2004 Olympic silver medalist is temporarily stationed in Vancouver as he awaits the required documentation from US immigration, with reports suggesting the delay has been caused by old motoring offences committed by the 23-year-old in Britain.

Khan said on his Facebook page: "In Vancouver for the work visa for the States, been here for few days with Freddie. (It is a) change of scenery and sparring partners, still training hard, can't wait to be let loose on Paulie!

"The US embassy in Vancouver (are) just doing the standard checks and procedure due to the name KHAN."