AMIR Khan is relishing the first foreign test in his professional career when he opens his 2006 campaign against tough Belarussian Vitali Martynov on Saturday.

The Olympic Silver Medallist, unbeaten in four starts with three knockouts, also steps up to his first six-round contest against Martynov at the Nottingham Arena.

The 19-year-old Bolton boxer has made rapid progression since turning pro last July and underlined his potential with an impressive two-round stoppage against the experienced Sheffield campaigner Daniel Thorpe in December .

His 22-year-old opponent from Minsk, who is 5ft 10, holds a very respectable record of 10-1-(7). The only loss on his record was a second round stoppage against undefeated French Olympian Willy Blain in Germany just before Christmas. Martynov was down twice in that fight.

Khan is not taking Martynov lightly.

He said: "Although I've experienced Belarussian boxers in the amateurs, the professional ranks are totally different and I'm expecting a tougher and harder test from Martynov than any fights I had in a vest and headguard.

"He's a strong tough kid from Eastern Europe who will be coming to win but I have encountered plenty of these lads during my time in the amateurs.

"It's my first six-round contest so I'm not going to go out there to blast him out straight away, I want to have a good look at him, size him up, make my openings and then finish him off.

"One thing's for sure though, I will not let him upset my first fight of 2006. I've got big plans for the year ahead and I aim to stay on track."

Chorley's Michael Jennings headlines the show with the second defence of his British Welterweight title against Young Muttley.

Chief support sees unbeaten featherweight ace Derry Matthews from Liverpool challenging for the vacant English title

A top quality card also sees in action former British Welterweight Champion David Barnes, and Celtic Welterweight Champion Tony Docherty.

Action starts at 9pm on ITV4 before switching to ITV1 at 10.45pm for live coverage of Khan.