Amir Khan will make his American debut and second defence of his WBA light-welterweight title “in the backyard” of Paulie Malignaggi at Madison Square Garden in New York City on May 15, Golden Boy Promotions will confirm on Friday.

Bolton fighter Khan had originally been expected to take on the battle-hardened Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico.

However, the 2004 Olympic silver medallist, who successfully defended his belt against Dmitriy Salita in December, will get his chance to impress in front of an American audience for the first time against the outspoken New Yorker.

“The fight marks Khan’s United States debut which will take place in the backyard of New York’s Malignaggi,” said a statement released by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

Former IBF champion Malignaggi, 29, lost to Ricky Hatton in 2008.

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