Oscar De La Hoya has said that 25-year-old Amir Khan can be boxing's next "global superstar".
Khan, the current WBA and IBF light-welterweight champion, will put his titles on the line against Lamont Peterson in the American's hometown of Washington this weekend.
Speaking ahead of the fight, De La Hoya insisted that the Brit "is here to stay".
"One thing that is so special about Amir Khan is that he wants to take the fights to the fans," he told Sky Sports News.
"He wants to be a global superstar – not just a champion, not just a super champion, a global superstar. This is what it takes. Come to the opponent's back yard and prove you are the best.
"I believe Amir Khan is the next superstar, the next champion that fighters are going to line up to fight against. He's only just turned 25 years old and he's proving to everyone that he is here to stay."
Should Khan overcome his opponent this weekend, it is understood that a move up to the welterweight division could await.
