Julio Diaz says he is coming to knock out Amir Khan when he takes on the Briton in Sheffield on April 27.

The California-based Mexican is on an unbeaten run of three fights but it is seven years since he last held the IBF lightweight title.

However, the 33-year-old still believes he can re-live his former glories and is in the shape of his life ahead of a first trip to the UK.

"I'm looking forward to it and very excited," he told Sky Sports. "They think it's a safe fight, for him to come back and rebuild his career and his confidence.

"He took on Carlos Molina in his last fight, a very small guy with no power, a very straight-forward type of guy.

"He made Amir Khan look good. I'm not Carlos Molina, I'm a veteran, experienced and a very strong puncher. If they chose me for Amir to look great in his hometown. I think it's the worst mistake they made.

"I'm coming to fight, I'm trying to rebuild my own career. I'm not just happy to be there, I'm going for Amir Khan."