A date has been set for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight championship bout between Amir Khan and Devon Alexander, who face off on December 7th at a location yet to be determined.
Promoter Richard Shaefer has settled on two cities - Dubai, United Arab Emirates or Brooklyn, NY - and is waiting to hear from the organizers in Dubai to confirm a facility to stage the event.
"They are doing big things in Dubai and UAE," said Khan (28-3, 19 KOs). "It will be beneficial for all, if we fight in Dubai."
If the fight cannot be done in Dubai, The Barclay Center in Brooklyn will host the title match.
Alexander (25-1, 14 KO) has a four-fight winning streak, having defeated Luca Mattysse, Marcos Maidana, and Lee Purdy along the way while Khan is coming off his victory against Julio Diaz, in his welterweight debut, as well as a win over Carlos Molina.
'Both of them want to fight this year,' said Schaefer.
If the fight were to happen in Dubai, Shaefer said a temporary facility would be built at the base of the Burj Al Arab, a hotel which is one of the largest buildings in the world.
"It's right in the middle of downtown Dubai, surrounded by an unbelievable skyline," said Schaefer. "It's one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen. They could build a 20,000- or 30,000-seat venue. This fight would have a tremendous impact on Dubai."
Alexander has been hesitant about fighting in Dubai, believing that it gives Khan an advantage with the fans and possibly the judges. But Khan says that Alexander need not worry about any possible perceived advantages the Bolton, UK native would have if the event were held in the Middle Eastern city.
"I do have a lot of fans in the Middle East and especially in the UAE," said Khan. "Maybe he does feel that everyone will be against him if we fight in Dubai. But I can assure it will be a fair fight, obviously. If it happens, it will be a global event."
Should Khan defeat Alexander and take the IBF welterweight, Khan hopes to match up against Floyd Mayweather - who is regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
"In my opinion, Floyd is the best and I want to beat the best. My dream is to be the best," Khan told LatinosPost.com in July. "I'm working my way towards that goal and fighting Alexander gets me a step closer."