World title contender Kevin Mitchell admits Amir Khan has done him "a massive favour" by decamping to America.

WBA light-welterweight champion Khan recently parted company with promoter Frank Warren in an attempt to build his profile in the United States.

And while Dagenham favourite Mitchell has questioned the Bolton fighter's decision, he admits the move has given him an opportunity to grab a bigger share of the limelight - starting with his headlining clash with Colombian Ignacio Mendoza live on Sky this Saturday.

WBO lightweight title contender Mitchell said: "When Amir was fighting it was always the 'Amir Khan show' and I think now it will be the 'Kevin Mitchell show'. I'll be holding the big bills in London and it will be about me now.

"Now Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe are not about I'll be on the big shows and hopefully they will be in London.

"Amir's done his own thing for his own reasons but he's done me a massive favour in terms of marketability and sponsorship.

"I think Frank's paid him millions and earned him a fortune and I think he could have shown a bit more loyalty to him. It's all right taking the money, but is he going to be looked after the way Frank looked after him?

"I don't know many people who got knocked out in one round in the way he did, so easily, and then two fights later he's a world champion. I've never seen that before in my life. That's what Frank's good at and why he's the best at his job."

Mitchell has long been linked with a fight against Khan but believes the 2004 Olympic silver medallist's defection has rendered a showdown more unlikely.

"I think it's made it harder," he said.

"I personally think if he thought he could beat me, the fight would be on.

"It would be a highly marketable fight and a massive money generator for the pair of us but I don't think it's on because he doesn't fancy it.

"There's too much to lose for him. There are easier fights out there for the same sort of money where he knows he's not going to be in trouble."

Mitchell was promoting the fight in a local pie and mash shop in London today but admitted trainer Jimmy Tibbs has ruled the delicacy strictly off limits until after fight night.

"I love my pie and mash but I've not been able to eat it for ages," he said.

"I'll get the fight out the way and next week I'll have a bit of pie and mash and pop down the pub for a couple of beers."