Michael Gomez has revealed that he initiated false reports that Amir Khan's former trainer Oliver Harrison was helping him prepare for their bout.

Khan launched a bitter attack on his former trainer ahead of his Commonwealth lightweight title defence on Saturday in Birmingham.

But Gomez says he started the rumour to further wind up Khan, who on Wednesday called his opponent an idiot.

"I started the rumour and obviously it has worked," said Gomez.

He added: "What can Oliver Harrison teach Michael Gomez?

"I wanted them (Khan's camp) to think that he was working for me. I've done everything differently this time."

KHAN V GOMEZ
BETTING PREVIEW & LATEST ODDS

On Thursday Khan launched a scathing attack on his former trainer Harrison who he believed had been helping to prepare Gomez for their bout.

"You lose respect for a coach when that happens because it is only two months since he split with me," said Khan.

"Top coaches would never do that so it shows what kind of person he is."

Khan, 21, has been preparing for the fight under the guidance of new trainer Dean Powell and after both he and Gomez came through Friday's weigh-in the Bolton fighter revealed he is in the best shape of his life

Khan said: "I've been pushed into situations where I've sat down and not known where my head is. But it's good to feel like that because, one day, I might be feeling the same way in a fight.

"I haven't experienced anything like that kind of pain and exhaustion in a fight so far, not even getting knocked down or going 12 rounds. But if I do end up in that uncomfortable zone, I'll know how to cope with it."

Gomez says victory over Khan will be the latest extraordinary chapter in his colourful life, in and out of the ring.

"People have been saying I'm finished for the last 10 years," he said.

"But a big fight like this is what I need, I will shock everybody. I fought Alex Arthur (in 2003), who was an unbeaten prospect, and destroyed him."

He added: "This fight really is my last chance to set myself up for life and become known in every household in Britain.

"If this fight was a routine fight I'd probably lose. But a big fight like this is what I need and I will shock everybody."