• Boxing

Khan fires back after Mayweather blast

ESPN staff
August 9, 2011
Floyd Mayweather Jnr fights Victor Ortiz on September 17 © Getty Images
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Amir Khan has roared back at criticism from Floyd Mayweather Jnr, claiming that the American only launches verbal attacks on boxers who represent a threat to him.

Mayweather appeared to perform a U-turn earlier this week by suggesting that Khan, who he had been expected to face in 2012, is not a big enough name for him to consider fighting.

That revelation throws Khan's plans into disarray, as he intends to have two more bouts - one at light-welterweight, one at welterweight - before moving into the big leagues with a clash against Mayweather in 12 months' time.

Now the Brit has accused Mayweather of being a hypocrite because he has selected Victor Ortiz, the WBC welterweight champion, as his opponent for his long-awaited return to the ring on September 17.

Although Ortiz scored a hugely impressive win over Andre Berto in his most recent contest, Khan has attracted a significant American fanbase with wins over Marcos Maidana and Zab Judah, surely elevating his status above Ortiz's.

"I'm not a big enough draw to fight in 2012, and Victor Ortiz is now?" Khan told boxingscene.com. "No disrespect to Ortiz … but he's fought on my undercard twice. If Floyd wants to fight now I would, he only talks down on fighters who are threats to him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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