By Shaun Campbell: World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight champion Amir Khan has expressed his desire to fight former WBC welterweight champion and pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather before he retires. Khan, who is set to clash with Argentina’s Marcos Maidana on Saturday night, has said, “I’m in boxing to fight the very best out there and that means Floyd right now for me. Ricky (Hatton) went to Vegas and met the best to try and prove that he was the best and I will continue where Ricky failed – it’s why we fight. Manny knows that Floyd will never fight him and it could be me that gets in the ring with Floyd – that is a real fight.”
Hopefully the ever-confident champion is not looking past the dangerous Maidana. Obviously his ambition is unquestionable, which for a young fighter is needed. People forget he is still only 23. He has been open about his plans to unify the light-welterweight division before moving up to eventually face Mayweather. One question is will he have time to unify the division before fighting that man who calls himself “Money”. Mayweather has not fought since a unanimous points win over Shane Mosley, and with current legal problems, it is uncertain when his next fight will be.
One thing that is for sure is that Khan will have to beat a few more big names before he will get a chance to fight the unbeaten Mayweather. Although everyone seems to be determined to see Juan Manuel Marquez square off for a third time with Manny Pacquiao, why shouldn’t be get a shot at the Bolton man first? If Marquez wants to face Pacquiao, then becoming WBA light-welterweight champion can only help. For Khan it would be another impressive name on his ever growing record. It could be a really good fight, with Marquez’s amazing warriors heart, brilliant counter-punching ability, and sharp technique. Where as Khan obviously has the speed.
Obviously the public will want to see a unification match between Khan and either Timothy Bradley or Devon Alexander. With Roach in his corner, Khan is more than capable of beating either of those fighters, but anyone with a half decent punch always has a chance of putting him on the deck.
So the golden road to Mr ‘Money’ Mayweather is probably as follows: Marcos Maidana, Timothy Bradley/Devon Alexander, Juan Manuel Marquez? Then possibly a warm up fight at welterweight, and then maybe if he is still boxing and not fallen into yet another retirement, Floyd Mayweather.
As for Khan winning that fight, unfortunately I just don’t think he is quite good enough. Floyd is accurate, quick, and punches harder than people think. But Amir is quicker than any opponent Floyd has ever faced and could cause him problems. However there is a long way to go before this fight materialises.
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