Amir Khan will make the first defence of his WBA Super Lightweight world title against # 1 world ranked Dmitriy Salita at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on Saturday 5th December promoter Frank Warren confirmed today. Salita, the mandatory challenger for Khan’s title, is an observant Jew and strictly follows Jewish law so if he fights on a Saturday then it must begin after sundown, the end of the sabbath. He famously said, “Anyone who wants a good whuppin’ from me is just going to have to wait until sundown.”

This will be Khan’s first fight in Newcastle and Warren has taken his biggest stars to the city in the past including Nigel Benn, Joe Calzaghe, Naseem Hamed and Ricky Hatton. Warren said, “For Amir’s first defense this is a very tough fight for him and he’s taking on a fighter that the American media are really building up at the moment.

“Salita’s got a great record, he’s unbeaten and carries a big punch and of course he will pose a threat to Amir, but Amir’s a world class fighter and has to deal with these challengers. I’ve promoted a lot of shows in Newcastle with all the big names like Naz, Calzaghe, Hatton and Benn and I’m delighted to bring Amir to the city for the first time. The public there are big sports fans and love the big events and it’s great to bring them a fight like Khan v Salita.”