• Boxing

Khan sets sights on Floyd clash

ESPN staff
June 17, 2011
Amir Khan has defended his belt on four occasions © Getty Images
Enlarge

Amir Khan has thrown down the gauntlet to Floyd Mayweather Jnr, with the WBA light-welterweight champion claiming he wants to take on the best in the business.

Olympic silver medallist Khan has put his career back on an upward curve following his sensational defeat to Breidis Prescott in 2008.

He claimed the WBA strap with a win over Andreas Kotelnik and has shown his class and durability with successful defences against Dmitry Salita, Paulie Malignaggi, Marcos Maidana and Paul McCloskey.

Khan will face another test against the durable Zab Judah in July, but he is looking beyond that clash to a mega-fight with Mayweather Jnr, who must first negotiate his way past Victor Ortiz in September.

"I want to fight the best and they don't come any better than Floyd," Khan, 24, said. "I don't want to duck a challenge and he is the man I want to meet in the ring."

Mayweather is unbeaten in 41 fights, with 25 of his wins coming via knockout, but the prospect of facing a fighter of the speed and skill of the 34-year-old does not faze Khan.

"I don't think a challenge from Floyd will daunt me," he said. "He will obviously be a real challenge but it is one that I will willingly accept."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices