Boxing: Khan lines up French test

Amir Khan's 10th professional contest will be against Frenchman Rachid Drilzane at the ExCel Arena in London next month.

The Olympic silver medallist will fight on the 9 December undercard of Scott Harrison's WBO featherweight title defence against Nicky Cook. Khan, who will turn 20 one day before the show, said: "This year has been pretty special, and it would be great to finish it just the way I started it - with a first-round knockout. They always say a boxer's first 10 fights are about learning the ropes, and I feel ready to be let off the leash after this one.

"I want to start winning titles as soon as possible, and hopefully I will fight for my first one before too long in 2007."

Despite a record of 10 wins from 13 paid fights, Drilzane may not be expected to put up much of a challenge, as he has failed to stop any of his previous opponents.

Khan has seen videos of the 28-year-old Frenchman and said: "I have had a good look at Drilzane. He is not a bad fighter but I will not let him ruin my birthday."