• Boxing

Roach wants one more fight before Khan v Mayweather

ESPN staff
December 12, 2010
Amir Khan's defence needs some work © Getty Images
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Trainer Freddie Roach is remaining cautious after Amir Khan's victory over Marcos Maidana, insisting he needs one more fight at 140lbs before he takes on Floyd Mayweather Jnr.

Khan produced the performance of his career to score a tight unanimous decision victory over Maidana, but the win did not come without highlighting certain flaws in the WBA light-welterweight champion's game. Maidana had Khan rocking in the 10th round, and it was a testament to Khan's heart that he survived to the final bell.

Roach is convinced his charge can beat Mayweather, but he wants to iron out the remaining creases in Khan's arsenal. If the world renowned trainer gets his way, Khan will take on the winner of the WBO light-welterweight title clash between Tim Bradley and Devon Alexander, who fight next month, before he steps up to fight Mayweather.

"I don't think him and [Manny] Pacquiao will fight each other, they are very good friends. I wouldn't like to see two guys who are very friendly fight each other," Roach told Sportsweek on Radio Five Live.

"Business is business and you never know but I hope Mayweather comes to the table first. I have two guys I believe who can beat him.

"We need another fight at 140lbs to make sure he looks good and stop making the mistakes he made," said Roach. "It could happen. If he cleans up the 140lb division and goes to 147, Mayweather won't fight Pacquiao but maybe he will fight Amir Khan.

"It would be a fight I would welcome."

Golden Boy promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer confirmed the intention to stage three fights for Khan in 2011, beginning with an April bout in England.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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