TASIF Khan wants to bring big-time boxing back to Bradford – as a world champion.

The Girlington pro fights for the WBU version of the super-flyweight title in London on December 6. And if successful, he wants his first defence to take place at St George’s Hall.

Khan had hoped to face Isaac Quaye for the vacant belt in the city and a November date had been arranged.

But the Ghanaian was not happy to be fighting in his opponent’s backyard so the WBU switched to a neutral venue.

That has made Khan even more determined to win the title and then use it as the focal point to get Bradford back on the boxing map.

Khan is keen to follow in the footsteps of good pal Junior Witter and said: “Junior and Ricky Hatton have both won WBU belts and I’m honoured to have the chance to be on the same list.

“This is the most important fight of my career and I’m desperate to get in that ring, especially after having two training camps.”

Khan, who is currently away in Benidorm working with former Bradford pro Nadeem Siddique, had been scheduled to face Quaye in September. But the flight was called off on the day after his flight to Liverpool was cancelled.

St George’s Hall was booked instead before Quaye put in an objection. So instead they will square off at London’s iconic York Hall, where Khan has boxed before.

He added: “Everything was sorted in Bradford, the venue, the date, everything. But I’d have travelled to the other side of the world for this because it’s such a massive opportunity.

“York Hall is the home of British boxing and then hopefully I can make St George’s Hall the home of boxing in Bradford.

“Everybody has been absolutely brilliant with me from the council down. The promoters have moved the date to early next year and it will happen.

“It’s not a cancellation, just a postponement. Win that belt and come back to Bradford to defend it – but one step at a time.”

Quaye, nicknamed “Pretty Boy Junior”, has won 27 of his 39 pro fights and represents a step-up in class for Khan. He has twice lost shots at the Commonwealth title but was stopped inside a round last time out.

Khan has won his three fights since a two-year sabbatical from the ring. He said: “I’m definitely nervous but that motivates me to train harder.

“He is an African champion and has boxed some top calibre. He is higher up the world rankings than me and no stone will be left unturned.

“But I’m proud to be given the chance to box for a world title and I’m proud for Bradford as well. To come back to my home with this belt around my waist would be incredible.

“I’m Bradford born and bred like Junior and I want to make the city proud.”

Tickets for the London show, which could also feature Witter on the undercard, are available on 07968 292922.