Chris Algieri is the underdog in the Barclays Center here this Friday night but if he does lose as expected to Amir Khan he will pick up an important consolation prize.

As the two welterweights came together for the ritual head-to-head stare-down in Brooklyn, Algieri revealed: 'The purse here will get me close to finishing paying off my student loan.'

Algieri graduated from college with a degree in sports science and nutrition and is planning to seek a master's degree at university once his boxing career is over.

Amir Khan and Chris Algieri pose after taking part in a press conference ahead of their fight on Friday night

Khan and Algieri stare each other down at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday afternoon

Algieri has thanked Khan for giving him an opportunity but insists he is confident ahead of Friday's fight

'I'm confident,' says Algieri. 'But whatever happens I say thank you to Amir for giving me this opportunity.'

Khan turned up in a Brooklyn Nets baseball cap in support of the basketball team which uses the Barclays Center.

He reminded everybody: 'The last time I fought in New York I defeated another local guy, Paulie Malignaggi. I'm expecting to give everyone another performance to enjoy.'

Khan trains at Private Gym in Brooklyn with trainer Virgil Hunter as he prepares for Friday's big fight

Algieri takes part in a media workout at the Barclays Center - the venue where he will take on Khan