By James Slater: Amir Khan, the reigning WBA/IBF 140-pound champion and the general consensus for THE best light-welterweight in the world today, was talking with BBC Sport yesterday. Khan gave props to his upcoming challenger, Lamont Peterson, calling the once-beaten contender “a good box-fighter,” but the subject soon changed to Floyd Mayweather Junior.
Khan said the fight he craves is also a fight the fans very much want to see:
“It’s definitely a public demand fight,” Khan said of a clash between he and Mayweather. “We’ve been in talks, with Golden Boy, they definitely want the fight and so do I. I want to get Lamont Peterson out of the way and then try to get a date for 2012. I am the best fighter he can face; if it’s not Manny Pacquiao, it’s me.
“I know Floyd has never faced the type of speed and power I have, or the angles. I have the best trainer in the world, and he will give me the advice I need to beat Floyd Mayweather. I’m sure we could sell out Wembley Arena. The fight would be one of the biggest in British boxing history.”
While Khan may be guilty of exaggerating by saying a fight between he and Mayweather is both a public demand fight and the best possible match-up for Mayweather outside of one with Pac-Man (I’d rather see “Money” in with Sergio Martinez, for just one example of a better, more intriguing choice), the British star against the global superstar sure would be a big deal – and no longer can fans simply write off Khan’s chances: of getting the fight or of actually winning it.
Speed is definitely something Khan possesses in spades (hand speed to rival even Mayweather’s), and his power is at the very least more than worthy of respect. What Khan is lacking, of course, is top-fight, mega-fight, experience. Yet to even box up at welterweight, Khan can have no idea how he will react when hit by a solid shot by a proven 147-pound master such as Mayweather. The idea of the meeting will build up steam if and when Khan beats a top name at 147.
If Khan can do that, THEN he could step in and face Mayweather if no super-fights with the likes of Pacquiao and Martinez have been signed up by the 42-0 great.
Has Mayweather ever seen speed like Khan’s? Maybe he has, but not in a long, long time. Khan would definitely give the Pound-4-Pound king problems if he fought him next. If Khan waits and fights Mayweather in two or three fight’s time, he may even beat him. Now there’s a thought!