By William Mackay: Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer explains the real reason why World Boxing Association (WBA) light welterweight champion Amir Khan (23-1, 17 KO’s) decided to fight WBA light welterweight interim champion Marcos Maidana (29-1, 27 KO’s) in an interview with Steve Bunce in London, saying “There was no real choice with taking this fight, as he [speaking about Maidana] is the mandatory [for Amir Khan]. It was either fight him or be stripped of the belt. And what great champion wants to lose his belt outside of the ring by being stripped.” This is interesting, because Khan has been saying that he took on the Maidana fight because he wants to quiet his critics.

But now Schaefer is saying something completely different, that Khan had no choice but to fight Maidana. Getting stripped of his title by the WBA would have made Khan look horrible, because it would essentially make clear what a lot of boxing fans have long suspected – that Khan has been ducking Maidana. Thankfully, Khan has decided to take the risky fight with Maidana rather than face the shame of having it stripped from him by the WBA.

Schaefer says “This fight is clearly the most dangerous out there for Amir Khan. [Devon] Alexander and [Tim] Bradley are both very skilled fighters, but no one has the punch Maidana has. Marcos Maidana is without doubt the most dangerous opponent out there in the 140 pound division.” What Schaefer says is true. Maidana, with his big power, high pressure offense and excellent chin, is a very dangerous opponent for Khan. Alexander and Bradley are obviously very tough as well, but neither of them can punch like Maidana. Khan could end up out-boxing Alexander and Bradley, but with Maidana, he’s going to have to fight for his life the full 12 rounds to keep from getting sparked out. Victor Ortiz is also a very dangerous opponent for Khan that Schaefer has failed to mention. He hits as hard as Maidana and is faster. However, he doesn’t have the chin or the same aggressiveness that Maidana has going for him.