Amir Khan has claimed he is not tied to any contract, has his own promotions company and wants to box in America next - after he successfully defends his WBA light-welterweight belt against Dimitriy Salita in Newcastle on December 5th.

The Bolton boxer told The Times' boxing correspondent, Ron Lewis, “I’m going to make sure my next fight will be in America. Now I am standing on my own feet, where I’ve got my own promotions company.

“I’m my own guy, I manage myself, I’m not tied up in any contract or anything. It’s up to me who I want to fight now. Even if I’m on an undercard in America, next fight I want to fight in America.

“I’m not going to listen to what people say, it’s my dream, it’s my career. For me to fight in America is a big thing.

“I was kind of shocked when all these American fighters know you and are asking for pictures with you or autographs, and I’ve not even fought here yet,” he said. “These guys appreciate you and want to see you fight. I think if I did fight here, I’d have a big crowd because a lot of people want to see me fight. I’m quite lucky that I’ve got the image and style that people want to watch.

“I think it is too soon to top the bill [in America]. I am known, but not a lot. My time will come. I’m only 22.”

Khan's current promoter, Frank Warren, was quoted as saying the plan was always to go to America and that he would discuss future plans with the fighter after his next bout.