AMIR KHAN KEEPS ME GOING

AMIR KHAN is giving trainer Freddie Roach the strength to climb out of bed every morning and continue his battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Roach blames the degenerative brain disease on having five fights too many at the end of his boxing career in the mid-1980s.

The world's No 1 coach takes eight tablets a day to combat the disorder and side effects can cause drooling and addiction to alcohol, gambling and sex.

Roach hopes Khan will become his 25th world champion if he defeats WBA light-welterweight title king Andreas Kotelnik at Manchester's MEN Arena on Saturday night.

And Roach said: "People like Manny Pacquiao and Amir give me zest because my goal is bringing out the best and they are what I live for right now.

"These guys rely on me and I rely on them. I had five fights and lost four of them after my trainer Eddie Futch told me to retire. Maybe Parkinson's would have happened any way because my style was give and take, but I chose boxing and nobody held a gun to my head.

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"Some days I don't feel that great but nothing will stop me from getting in the ring. I am not going to let it take over my life but it might. I'll work until I can't be helpful.

"When I don't feel great I get to the gym and the first couple of rounds might be a little rough and my co-ordination might not be right for a few rounds."

Despite his chronic illness Roach, 49, can still take fighters like Khan for 44 rounds on the pads and works 12 hours a day at Hollywood's Wild Card gym.

He added: "It is a pain taking medication because of the side effects but I don't do two of them - gambling and drinking - and I don't think my girlfriend is keen on the sex one!"

Amir Khan v Andreas Kotelnik is live on Sky Box Office and in high definition on Sky Box Office HD on Saturday July 18from 9pm. To order the night of live boxing please call 08442 410 888.

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