Khan more precocious than Naz - Warren

Amir Khan's fledgling career is progressing faster than that of Britain's youngest ever world champion Naseem Hamed, according to promoter Frank Warren.

Khan, who has just turned 21, defends his Commonwealth lightweight title for the second time against former interim world title challenger Graham Earl at the Bolton Arena on Saturday night.

When asked to gauge Khan's progress, Sports Network chief Warren said: "He's done everything that has been asked of him. I think he has certainly been moved up, as far as quality of opponent is concerned, faster than, say, Naseem Hamed."

The Olympic silver medalist won the belt in only his 13th professional fight against Willie Limond and recently retained it by beating Scott Lawton.

But 29-year-old Earl represents a significant step up in class for Khan as he maintains his crusade to win a world title.

His ambition is to become a world champion at 21 and at least match former featherweight champion Hamed.

Warren added: "He fought his 13th fight for the Commonwealth title. There are not many guys do that at his age, most guys turn professional in their 20s and are more mature physically. So he's been moved very quickly and this is a huge step up, without a doubt.

"This is a tough fight, it's not an easy job. It will bring out the best in Amir and I know it will bring the best out of Graham. If he beats Graham Earl, that is a big achievement. If he does that, it's just onwards and upwards.

"One thing anyone in the trade knows is that he (Earl) is a warrior. He's never-say-die. He's been away in the United States training. He's prepared for it, like everyone who has fought Amir. They've all had plenty of time to prepare for the fight."