• Boxing

Khan 'begged not to fight Maidana'

Marcos Maidana came close to forcing a stoppage against Amir Khan but, apart from a tremendous tenth round, he was outclassed for long periods © Getty Images

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Marcos Maidana is accusing Amir Khan, the WBA and IBF light-welterweight champion, of ducking his calls for a rematch of their December 2010 classic.

Khan triumphed the first time the pair met, claiming a decision win despite finding himself in serious peril during the tenth round, his legs wobbling as he took a series of unanswered blows from the Argentinean.

Now, as Khan looks for one last opponent at light-welterweight before stepping up a division, it appears that Maidana is not on his radar, even though he would be No. 1 contender for his WBA strap if he beats Robert Guerrero on August 27.

"What Khan doesn't say is that he begged the WBA in writing that they won't put me in front of him again, like we should have," Maidana tweeted.

Maidana is accusing Khan of sending out mixed signals, having been heavily critical of WBC and WBO champion Tim Bradley's reluctance to fight him. "Very funny that Amir Khan says that he offered to fight a number of fighters and they said no," Maidana said.

"Khan asks Bradley to FedEx his belt. Then, Khan should FedEx his to me. We asked [Khan] for a rematch and they asked the WBA for an 18 month extension."

In other news Kell Brook, who is rumoured to be heading for a clash against Khan early next year, will defend his WBA inter-continental welterweight title against Rafal Jackiewicz on October 8.

"I can't wait to fight in Sheffield again," said Brook. "The atmosphere at the Lovemore N'dou fight was incredible and I'm sure it's going to be even better at Ponds Forge. Jackiewicz is a tough opponent who has held the European belt and challenged for a world title so he will provide a great test for me."

Brook's promoter Eddie Hearn added: "Rafal provides the next step up in terms of tests for Kell and with both fighters knowing they are on the verge of a world title shot, a slip up here can destroy any dreams - so you can expect an explosive fight."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.