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Khan demands December showdown with Marquez

Amir Khan was in Las Vegas to watch Juan Manuel Marquez © Getty Images

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Amir Khan has challenged Golden Boy Promotions to set up a December showdown with Juan Manuel Marquez.

Khan was in Las Vegas on Saturday to watch Marquez chalk up a decision victory over Juan Diaz. However, in the aftermath of the bout, the Mexican called out Manny Pacquiao for a trilogy-completing battle, insisting that was his ideal next fight.

Marquez may well find himself disappointed though, after Pacquiao's camp appeared to be well down the road to setting up a clash with Antonio Margarito. Filipino icon Pacquiao has previously faced Marquez on two occasions, drawing the first bout before edging a split decision in the rematch.

Should the Margarito fight go ahead, Khan is ready to leap in for the toughest examination of his career against a man who recorded 37 knockouts in 57 bouts.

Khan told the Telegraph: "Marquez looked strong and sharp. I still want to fight him. He's a legend. I know people think I'm stupid to fight someone with so much experience, but I want tough fights against big names.

"I am now relying on Golden Boy Promotions to make this fight for December."

Goldon Boy chief executive, Richard Schaefer, intriguingly commented: "Marquez v Pacquiao could be a possibility if Marquez were to fight Khan first and defeat him."

Meanwhile, Khan also cast his eye over England's George Groves, who defeated Alfredo Contreras with a sixth-round stoppage. In the Bolton fighter's eyes, Groves will prove to be a much bigger star than Olympic gold medallist James DeGale, whom Groves is on course to face in the near future.

"Groves is very impressive indeed with his skills and power," Khan said. "I can't wait to see Groves meet James DeGale. I think Groves is going to do much better than DeGale in the long run."

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