• Light-welterweight

Khan taunts 'afraid' Mayweather in bout boost

ESPN staff
September 15, 2014
Floyd Mayweather: Marcos Maidana fought dirty

If the trash talking they have become engaged in is anything to go by, Amir Khan's prospects of facing Floyd Mayweather Jr next summer may just have improved.

The pair traded verbal blows after the American's unanimous decision victory against Marcos Maidana on Saturday in a way that fight promoters seem to love.

Khan, who sat ringside during Mayweather's win after overcoming visa problems, suggested the unbeaten champion has so far swerved the opportunity to fight him because he is "afraid".

"Floyd, as we all know, isn't the biggest puncher," Khan said. "His footwork has slowed down, he only throws single punches and gets hit a lot more. We all know Maidana isn't the quickest, and he still got through with shots.

"Now it makes sense why the fight isn't happening between me and Mayweather. Is he afraid of the speed, explosiveness and power?

"Floyd - let's get it on!"

Mayweather has hinted he may prefer to face long-time rival Manny Pacquiao as his next opponent - providing it is on his own terms.

But he has refused to rule out Khan and was more than happy to engage in some verbal sparring.

Mayweather said: "When Amir Khan was an amateur, I was champion. And then when Khan turned pro and got knocked out, I was champion.

"Then when Khan got knocked out again I was champion. And then when he lost his belt again I'm still champion and I'm still right here.

"Khan is a solid, good competitor, he's a good fighter ... bu we don't know who I'm fighting right now."

Amir Khan is relishing the prospect of fighting Floyd Mayweather Jr © Getty Images
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