Roach promises Salita knockout

Amir Khan's trainer Freddie Roach has predicted the Brit will knock out Dmitriy Salita (9/2 with Stan James in the fight prices) when the two square off on Saturday.

The legendary trainer has been accurate when predicting the results of Manny Pacquiao's last three victories.

The American had originally gone for Khan to win with a late stoppage, but now believes the light-welterweight champion will retain his belt in his first defence with a knockout.

"I've been studying Salita, watching him fight and the closer and closer we get, I know we're gonna knock him out somewhere along the line," he said.

"It might even be early."

Roach has been watching the New York-based Ukrainian boxer on tapes and in person in preparation for the fight next weekend, while also having seen Salita in the past when he has been training in Roach's Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.

Despite Khan being the 1/8 favourite in Stan James' boxing betting Salita is undefeated in his 31 professional fights and claims he won't waste an opportunity he has waited 14 years for.

However, while Roach admits he is a good boxer he believes Khan will have too much for Salita when they step into ring in Newcastle.

"He has a lot of fundamental habits we can take advantage of. He's undefeated, he's come a long way, but this is a huge step up right now - and it's going to be too much for him," added Roach.