Amir Khan has already laid out his plans for 2017: fight three times, beginning in January, and hopefully win two big, big fights after the tune-up. Now, in speaking with UK tabloid The Sun, Khan has targeted his number-one rival: WBC welterweight king Danny Garcia. Fans are aware of two things – Garcia KO’d Khan in an exciting fight back in July of 2012, Khan is the current WBC mandatory contender for “Swift’s” green belt.
Khan now says he wants the rematch and he wants it next May. Before that, though, the British superstar aims to re-sharpen his considerable tools with a fight at home.
“I want my next fight to be in Britain. I know it’s going to have to be a tune-up having lost the Canelo fight and also having had the hand surgery,” Khan said. “But that’s why I then want to fight again in May – it has to be a big fight in May. I want the Garcia fight. I’m the mandatory challenger for Garcia’s WBC title and I would like to take that fight. I really believe that could be a big PPV in America because of the history.”
The history Khan and Garcia have, is of Garcia, after a slow start in Las Vegas four summers ago, coming on to wreck the defending 140-pound champ with his vaunted left hook. Khan, showing his usual heart, fought back as best he could after regaining his feet, but the Bolton man arguably suffered the most damaging loss of his career. Khan should win his planned January tune-up, so long as he is sensible and doesn’t go in with a fierce puncher – but can he gain revenge over Garcia? Has Garcia even got any interest in taking this rematch?
Garcia will lose his belt if he doesn’t accommodate the WBC rules, but if the Philly star gets another big fight (say one with a Keith Thurman) he may opt to drop his WBC strap. A return between Garcia and Khan would be interesting, and Khan should not be written off as a no hoper. Khan was boxing well in the first fight, before he got careless, and if he boxed to strict orders as provided by Virgil Hunter, maybe, just maybe, “King Khan” would live up to his nickname and revive his career in grand style.
Did Garcia get somewhat lucky back in 2012, or does he simply have Khan’s number? There are certainly less intriguing rematches out there.