Amir Khan said he would fight for a world title "tomorrow" after outclassing Graham Earl in 72 seconds in Bolton on Saturday night.

Khan celebrated his 21st birthday in stunning fashion with a blistering performance in the biggest test of his career so far.

"It's up to (promoter) Frank Warren - but I'll fight for a world title tomorrow and prove everyone wrong," he told ITV1 afterwards.

"I wasn't surprised (at the quick stoppage), I'd been training hard for this fight.

"I want the number-one spot and he was the number one in Britain, and I wanted to beat him.

"I knew he was hurt after the first knockdown and I wanted to put the pressure on."

Khan added: "After the first knockdown I saw his eyes - he didn't want any more.

"He was gone and I put the pressure on."

The youngster revealed he had been spurred by what he saw as disrespect from Earl.

"I was fighting the best fighter in my career and the way I took him out in the first round surprised me," he said.

"When there's someone there disrespecting me, calling me a kid, it hurts me. It motivated me and I've proved a point to all the critics.

"Graham is a great fighter, he's been a world champion, been the European champion - so for me to beat someone like that in the first round is great."

Even Warren - who confirmed Khan's next fight would be on February 2 - admitted he was shocked at the speed of the victory.

"I never expected that at all," he said. "I thought it would be a tough fight and get to 10 rounds.

"It was a phenomenal performance. He's made a statement tonight. Fantastic."

Earl was critical of Foster's early stoppage of the bout.

"He's sharp and strong, but they shouldn't have stopped the fight there - I knew what was going on," he insisted.

"My head's clear - I've been in fights where my head's gone.

"It's boxing, you've got to take shots, it happens. You can't just jump in."

Earl also denied any suggestion tonight's battering could mark the end of his professional career.

"I'll be back stronger. That's my division," he added.

More news from SportingLife.com