Betfair Official Blog

Amir Khan Boxing betting and odd preview

Amir Khan has declared he will be lightweight world champion within his next five fights - and the road to superstardom begins on October 6 against Scott Lawton at the Nottingham Arena.

Khan is sure to see his odds snaffled up when betting swings into action for what is sure to be a close contest but the 20-year-old is already looking beyond Fight 14 of his fledgling career.

Punters with bets on Khan back in July were made to sweat as he edged past Scotland's Willie Limond, leading promoter Frank Warren to suggest he "still had the L plates on", and that could be reflected in the Bolton scrapper's odds when he next steps into the ring.

Limond almost caused a betting upset when he knocked Khan to the canvas in the sixth round of their Commonwealth title clash, but the youngster showed bravery and tenacity to recover and stop his opponent in the eighth to justify his short odds.

Punters with bets on golden-boy Khan have been rewarded in all13 of his previous professional fights and will fancy their chances again when he meets Lawton, who is renowned for his boxing ability rather than his punching power.

But Stoke's English lightweight champion believes he has the pedigree to halt the Khan juggernaut and will not be fazed by his opponent's reputation or likely short odds.

In March, Lawton faced champion Jon Thaxton in a British title clash and, against all the odds, came within a whisker of causing a betting upset until he sustained a cut to his forehead which effectively ended his challenge.

Interestingly, Thaxton, a heavy-hitter and popular bet, continues to be dodged by a host of his domestic rivals - including Khan.

Lawton will look to avoid a bar brawl with Khan, who possesses devastating hand speed, but is a worthy opponent and could reward those who fancy an outside bet.

Khan has his eye on the bigger picture and has his sights set on becoming a three-weight world champion, vowing to "take on the world" and reward his army of followers in the betting.

Lawton may have something to say about that.