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Amir Khan hopes his step up in class against Commonwealth lightweight champion Willie Limond will silence criticism that his opponents to date have been too easy.


Khan will meet Limond in the inaugural sporting event to be staged at London's new O2 Arena, formerly the Millennium Dome, in his first major title fight.


Topping the bill is Nicky Cook's challenge for the vacant WBO featherweight title against American Steven Luevano, but it is Khan's toughest assignment yet that will be the centre of attention on July 14.


Limond's eighth-round stoppage by fellow Scot Alex Arthur in 2003 is his solitary defeat in 29 fights and while only eight wins have come inside the distance, he is a fine technician.


A three-round demolition of Steffy Bull earlier this month handed Khan his 12th professional victory and the 20-year-old believes he needs a greater challenge to demonstrate his progress.


"People think I'm getting easy fights, but they haven't been easy. This is a tough fight which will prove my opposition is top class," he said.


"The recognition will come. This fight is great for me. It's come quickly as it will only be my 13th fight but I'm getting used to being a seasoned professional.


"I need this fight as well to give me that push - it will show me where I am in the professional game."


Khan expects he will have to prove his courage and durability when he meets the 28-year-old from Glasgow.


"I've seen a few of Willie's fights. He's a great fighter. He can take a shot and give one back. It will be more of a fight than I've had in the past," he said.


"I will get hit but that means I can show people I've got heart and won't back off. I can prove a lot of things.


"In the past I've thrown a few good shots and it's finished, but Willie can take a few good shots. He'll come back and give it."


Limond added: "I had no hesitation taking this fight. I don't know if this fight has come too early for Amir.


"He has shown good potential in his recent fights and his ability is there for everybody to see. But sometimes you can take these fights too early."


Promoter Frank Warren admits Khan's progress has been swift but has warned the Olympic silver medalist that Limond has the spirit to cause major problems.


"It was six years before Sugar Ray Robinson had a title fight and he was arguably the best of all time, so there is no doubt Amir is moving fast," he said.


"This will be a really hard fight - for both of them. I've promoted Willie before. He's got a big heart and comes to fight. Amir will have his hands full."


Cook, the former British, Commonwealth and European champion, faces 26-year-old Luevano for the WBO featherweight title vacated by Scott Harrison.


Harrison was scheduled to meet Cook for the title in December last year only for the fight to be cancelled when the troubled Scot failed to turn up for the final weigh-in.


Cook, who is unbeaten in 27 fights, was left infuriated after Harrison's withdrawal cost him £20,000 but is pleased his patience has paid off.
"I'd been training for three months for that fight but I won't bear the grudge for life," he said.


"If I see Scott I'll shake his hand - and maybe give him a right hand with it!
"The situation with Scott Harrison was very frustrating but I always knew Frank was going to get me a title shot if I kept things ticking over."


Warren has pencilled in Enzo Maccarinelli and Alex Arthur to fight the weekend before the O2 bill, while Welshman Gavin Rees will meet Soulemayne M'Baye for the WBA light welterweight title on May 26.