Amir Khan floored Martin Kristjansen three times in the seventh round for a TKO victory and closed in on a world title fight on Saturday. In a final eliminator for Nate Campbell's WBO lightweight title, Khan caught the Dane with powerful combinations. All three knockdowns came in the final minute of the round, and referee Mickey Vann ended the contest with seconds left. Khan has won all 17 of his fights with 13 by knockout, and Kristjansen was stopped for the first time in 24 fights. His record is 19-2 with three draws. “I'm getting closer and closer to my dream,” Khan said. “I couldn't knock him out in the first round. I broke him down, caught him with some clean shots and then I saw his legs go and I saw it in his eyes he wanted no more. I put the pressure on him and he couldn't stand the pressure.” Khan's penchant for dropping his left hand was exploited by Kristjansen, who threw overhand rights that found their mark twice in the opening round and again in the sixth. But Khan built up an early points lead with fast combinations and jabs that reddened the Dane's face. The first time Khan sent Kristjansen down with a flurry of lefts and rights, he was warned by Mickey Vann for continuing the attack with the Dane on one knee. The second and third knockdowns by the Athens Olympics silver medalist were straight forward. Promoter Frank Warren said he prefers Khan have one more fight before he goes for a world title shot. In Germany, Felix Sturm stopped Jamie Pittman of Australia in the seventh round in a one-sided defense of his WBA middleweight title on Saturday. __
