Gainer turns down Khan

Clash of dates rules 'Smoke' out of fight with British lightweight

Last updated: 16th July 2008

Derrick Gainer and Roy Jones Junior (2003)

Gym-mates: Derrick Gainer and Roy Jones Jnr

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Former WBA featherweight champion Derrick Gainer has turned down a chance to fight Amir Khan due to a clash of dates.

The vastly experienced Gainer, who has had seven world title fights in the featherweight and super-featherweight divisions, had been lined up to take on Khan on September 6.

However, with Gainer's gym-mate Roy Jones Jnr set to fight Joe Calzaghe on September 20 at Madison Square Garden, the 35-year-old has had to turn down the bout for now at least.

Gainer, known as "Smoke", told Boxingtalk.com: "With Roy fighting on September 20, it would be hard to have our people travel to England and back with Roy winding down his camp for Calzaghe around that time.

"Once I take care of this business on September 20, I'd love to fight him so I hope they offer the fight to me again. Doing it later this year or early next is fine with me."

Gainer's opponent has yet to be announced - although it is unlikely that Khan will head to the States following his promoter Frank Warren's split from Calzaghe.