The big fight might be over a week away but Dmitry Salita has started the mind games after saying that he intends to take advantage of Amir Khan's vulnerable chin ahead of the WBA light-welterweight title fight on December 5.

Ukrainian-born Salita wants to follow Breidis Prescott's example from 2008 by knocking out Khan in the bout at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.

"His chin is definitely an area of vulnerability," Salita said. "It's not just because of Prescott that he's vulnerable. He has been knocked down a whole bunch of other times.”

Khan, 22, has been floored three times in his career, with Willie Limond and Michael Gomez also sending him to the canvass before his defeat to Prescott last year, the first defeat of his pro career.

Unbeaten in 31 fights, with 16 knockouts – Salita believes the manner of the defeat will play on Khan’s mind.

"He definitely has a seed of doubt because of the Prescott defeat," said Salita, who is based in Brooklyn, New York.

"I'm going to go in there to do my work and eventually he is going to get hit on the chin. When he is, we'll see what happens. He's been beaten before and he's going to get beaten by me.”

“I look forward to beating him. I have to be on my A-game and be very sharp. I need to stick to the game plan we have in place and with all the things we have worked on I feel it will be enough to take the belt.”

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is backing Salita, the city's adopted son in his bid to become a world champion.

Before heading to Britain this week to complete his preparations, the 27-year-old fighter received a good look message from the Mayor.

Bloomberg wrote to Salita: "On behalf of our city I want to wish you the very best as you head across the pond.

"New Yorkers know that with hard work and dedication the sky's the limit.

"Throughout your stellar career you've always shown the fighting spirit that is so Quintessentially New York, and is the reason so many world-class fighters have come out of the five boroughs.

"As someone as devoted to faith - and your community - as you are to the ring, you're also setting a wonderful example for others.

"We're very proud of you, and we look forward to weloming you back to New York City as the new Junior Welterweight Champion of the world! All the best."