• Boxing

Mayweather hits back at Khan slur

ESPN staff
September 16, 2011
Floyd Mayweather Jnr fights Victor Ortiz on Saturday © Getty Images
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Floyd Mayweather Jnr has dismissed Amir Khan's suggestions that he is hand-picking opponents in order to protect his unbeaten record.

Khan, the WBA and IBF light-welterweight champion, made the claim having grown frustrated at Mayweather's refusal to agree to a fight. The American says he will only entertain the idea if Khan first defeats Jessie Vargas, the unbeaten 22-year-old.

"I'm not ducking or dodging anybody," Mayweather said. "I'm in a no-win situation. The only thing I can do is go out there and keep winning, keep proving myself over again."

Mayweather steps into the ring for the first time in 16 months against WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz on Saturday and, in the face of concerns Mayweather may be rusty following a period of inactivity, Ortiz surprisingly insists he wants to see his opponent at his razor-sharp best.

"I hope the actual Floyd Mayweather shows up," Ortiz said. "I don't want a Mayweather that's lost his speed or power. He's got that beautiful mouth that just never stops, but I'm going to knock him out."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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