Amir closes in on new Buddy

16/ 6/2008

AMIR Khan is closing in on the appointment of a new permanent trainer - with former two-weight world champions Buddy McGirt the favourite.

The Bolton fighter's corner will be led by Dean Powell for the first time when he defends his Commonwealth lightweight title against Moston's Michael Gomez in Birmingham on June 21.

But the Olympic silver medallist has his eyes on a longer term successor from across the Atlantic following his sudden split with Salford-based Oliver Harrison.

McGirt has already jetted over to the UK to speak to the Khan camp and has revealed his interest in the post.

Khan's father Shah said: "We're going to go to America after Amir's next fight to see different people.

"The trainers are queuing up to work with Amir.

"We've had loads of phone calls from trainers on both sides of the Atlantic. We've got a big decision to make in the coming week and the final decision will be Amir's."

New Yorker McGirt, 44, has worked with top names, including light-heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver, former heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster and Arturo Gatti.

He was in Manchester last month to take charge of Paulie Malignaggi's below-par win over Lovemore N'Dou, which set up a prospective clash with Ricky Hatton later this year.

Khan is yet to completely rule out the possibility of a permanent link-up with Powell if his defence against Gomez goes to plan. But McGirt is the likelier candidate.