By William Mackay: In looking at how carefully WBA Super World light welterweight champion Amir Khan (24-1, 17 KO’s) picked out his next opponent Paul McCloskey (22-0, 12 KO’s) over the other possible opponents to fight on April 16th at the M.E.N. Arena, Manchester, you would think that the fight is pretty much in the bag for Khan already. However, don’t tell that to the 31-year-old McCloskey because he really thinks he’s going to win this fight and is hoping that Khan is overlooking him on 4/16.

McCloskey, speaking to the bournelocal.co.uk, said “Part of me hopes he is taking me lightly because I’ll wipe the floor with him.” I think it’s safe to say that Khan is taking McCloskey lightly because that’s why he probably chose him rather than facing knockout artist Breidis Prescott, who already knocked out Khan in the 1st round. Khan could have fought Prescott and likely made much more money and received more press attention.

Instead, Khan opted for the light-hitting McCloskey to fight. What does that tell you? It tells me that Khan looked to take the easier fight and doesn’t see McCloskey as the same kind of threat that he does Prescott. It’s doubtful that McCloskey has the tools to beat Khan even if Amir takes McCloskey lightly. We’re talking about a guy that has never fought a top tier opponent during his career, let alone beating one.

McCloskey has given a high ranking by the WBA [ranked #5] without ever having fought anyone in the top tier to receive it. This is very reminiscent of how the WBA ranked another opponent of Khan, Dmitriy Salita, at number #1 in 2009 when Salita had never fought anyone in the top tier. Why McCloskey has been given a high ranking without having proven himself is beyond me. Khan will win but it won’t mean much because McCloskey is an unproven unknown.