LONDON (AP) -Amir Khan doesn't want his WBA light-welterweight title defense against the unbeaten Dmitry Salita to be overshadowed by the fact it pits the Muslim champion against a Jewish opponent.
Both boxers spoke Thursday in a media conference call and downplayed any religious significance in the Dec. 5 fight in Newcastle.
``The religious thing that we do is in our private time. When I walk into any fight, I do what I have to do,'' said Khan, a 22-year-old Briton who has one loss in 22 fights.
Salita is a Ukraine-born American with 30 wins and a draw who has been the WBA's No. 1 contender for a year.
``We're professional boxers,'' he said. ``I will go into the fight prepared mentally and spiritually to the best of my ability to win the fight.
Based in New York, the 27-year-old Salita has never fought outside of the United States or Puerto Rico.
``I am coming to a foreign country to fight a world champion and I can understand why people will say I'm the underdog,'' Salita said. ``But that doesn't faze me. That's part of boxing and it will inspire me to train harder and run more miles.
``I have been the No. 1 contender for a long time. Amir is a very good fighter, but there are things that I know I can take advantage of.''
Khan's only defeat was a first-round knockout loss to Breidis Prescott 14 months ago. While Salita's draw with Ramon Montano in March 2006 came after he was knocked down twice in the opening round.
``I was not 100 percent for that fight and I bore the consequences for it,'' Salita said. ``I fixed those mistakes and I didn't repeat them. I know I'm up against a fast starter with fast hands but I will be ready for that.''
