Khan urged to box clever

Updated 12.37 Fri Jan 18 2008

Keywords: boxing, Amir Khan

Amir Khan has been warned that if he continues taking risks in his style of boxing then he may come unstuck.

The Bolton youngster, 21, defends his Commonwealth lightweight title against Australian Gairy St Clair in London on February 2.

Warren is concerned St Clair, an experienced former IBF super-featherweight champion who has never been stopped, could be the man to exploit any lapse in concentration from Khan

And while Khan may be cutting a swathe through his division after 15 straight wins, his high-octane attacking style has kept many, including his promoter Frank Warren, on the edge of their seats.

And Warren is concerned St Clair, an experienced former IBF super-featherweight champion who has never been stopped, could be the man to exploit any lapse in concentration from Khan.

Warren said: "Amir's a macho character and that's the excitement of him. The crowds come to watch him because he take risks just like fighters like Nigel Benn before him.

"Amir sometimes takes risks I'd prefer him not to take but that's the way he fights. But all good fighters have been on the floor and he's got to learn from that. Gairy is the type of fighter who will really make him think."

St Clair stepped in to replace Denmark's Martin Kristjansen, who withdrew through injury.

As replacements go he is more than credible, boasting a professional record of 39 wins, five defeats and two draws.