Dmitriy Salita will take on WBA light-welterweight Amir Khan in Newcastle on December 5.

Khan’s first title defence will take place at the Metro Radio Arena against Salita, 27, the WBA mandatory challenger and a highly-credible first defence for 2004 Olympic silver-medallist Khan.

Promoter Frank Warren said: “For Amir’s first defence this is a very tough fight for him and he’s taking on a fighter that the American media are really building up at the moment.

“Salita’s got a great record, he’s unbeaten and carries a big punch and of course he will pose a threat to Amir, but Amir's a world-class fighter and has to deal with these challengers.”