Boxing - Khan v Kotelnik title fight postponed for three weeks

LONDON (Reuters) - Briton Amir Khan must wait another three weeks for his first shot at a world title after WBA light-welterweight champion Andreas Kotelnik postponed their fight because of a tooth infection.

The 2004 Olympic silver medallist was due to meet Ukrainian Kotelnik at the O2 Arena on June 27 but the bout will now take place on July 18 in Manchester, the switch necessary because Michael Jackson is due to sing at the London venue that night.

"I'm delighted my world title fight against Kotelnik is still on and when July 18 comes I will never be more ready for him although the postponement of the fight is a pain," Khan said in a statement.

"These things happen so I have to be professional and stay focused. However when I'm the victor and I am finally crowned world champion it will make up for it."

Khan, 22, who moved up from lightweight to secure the clash with Kotelnik, will now get the chance to fight closer to his native Bolton in the same M.E.N venue where he beat Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera in March.

The 31-year-old Kotelnik sustained an injury to his mouth while sparring, leading to his infected tooth.

"Kotelnik has suffered an unfortunate injury and the added infection has scuppered his chances of fighting on June 27," Khan's promoter Frank Warren said.

"He is really sorry for the postponement but to his credit he is fighting at the earliest possible opportunity."

(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Tony Jimenez. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)