Breaking News: Bradley, Khan take first step toward showdown

A title-unification fight between Timothy Bradley and Amir Khan on July 23 on HBO is a step closer to reality, according to Gary Shaw, Bradley’s co-promoter.

Shaw said he and Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Khan, have a “deal in principle” in place.

The preliminary agreement was confirmed by Cameron Dunkin, Bradley’s manager, who said his fighter is willing to extend his contract with Shaw and Thompson Boxing to make the fight happen. The contract expires in June.

This is only the first step in negotiations. The fighters must still review the terms before signing off on any agreement.

“Nothing is done until that happens,” Shaw said.

Khan also must defeat unbeaten Irishman Paul McCloskey on April 16 at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England, which he is expected to do.

Shaw said he and Schaefer didn’t discuss a site, although it will take place in the United States.

“Khan wants this fight; Timmy is open to fighting anyone,” Dunkin said. “(Golden Boy) came to us and said this is the fight HBO wants. Gary said (to Bradley), ‘Would you be willing to extend our agreement long enough to get this fight done?’ Timmy told us to go ahead and pursue it.

“We’re not that far along but this is very, very doable fight.”

Bradley (27-0, 11 knockouts) is coming off a 10-round technical decision over Devon Alexander on Jan. 29. Khan (24-1, 17 KOs) outpointed Marcos Maidana on Dec. 11.