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By Kirk Jackson
Amir Khan 31-3 (19 KO’s) desperately wants to fight Floyd Mayweather 48-0 (26 KO’s).
This past weekend at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, was to be a showcase of sorts, a signature victory for Khan, with the purpose of propelling him towards the coveted jackpot that is of facing Mayweather, or even facing Manny Pacquiao 53-6-2 (38 KO’s).
Photo: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
But Chris Algieri 20-2 (8 KO’s) had other plans.
Although Khan unanimously won the fight, Algieri provided a great account of himself, with the newly acquired and highly esteemed John David Jackson in his corner. Algieri took the fight to Khan, uncharacteristically pressuring Khan all night and making it a closely contested affair.
The bout was so close, some observers question if Khan even won the fight.
Khan emerged as the victor in this fight, but it doesn’t appear he increased his chances to lure Mayweather into a blockbuster bout this upcoming September.
To be frank, Khan may not even deserve a shot at Mayweather.
Khan actually has unfinished business with a few guys moving up to the welterweight division and has some loose ends to tie up.
Lamont Peterson 33-3-1 (17 KO’s) defeated Khan in a closely contested fight in 2011. Peterson may be moving up to the welterweight division after having his last fight at the catch-weight of 143 lbs. against Danny Garcia 30-0 (17 KO’s).
Speaking of Garcia, who stopped Khan via 4th round TKO in 2012, he looks to move up to welterweight and a rematch between the two would be interesting.
We’ll ignore Breidis Prescott, as it appears that boat has long passed. He famously defeated Khan via first round knockout back in 2008.
A match-up with Marcos Maidana 35-5 (31 KO’s) would be intriguing as well. Maidana gave Khan Hell back in 2010. Both guys have improved under new trainers. Khan under the tutelage of Virgil Hunter and Maidana under the guidance of Robert Garcia.
Adrien Broner 30-1 (22 KO’s) matched up with Khan would be an intriguing match-up as well. Both guys are in their prime, both are young, flashy and fast.
And let’s not forget Khan’s British rival, the undefeated IBF Welterweight Champion Kell Brook 35-0 (24 KO’s). He has been clamoring for a fight with Khan for the past four or five years.
This is arguably the biggest fight that can be made in the welterweight division, who wouldn’t want to see this?
Aside from hardcore Amir Khan fans, there does not appear to be much interest in the match between Khan and Mayweather.
Khan’s Welterweight Resume: Julio Diaz at the time was 40-7-1 and past his best days, Luis Collazo 35-5 a tad past his prime but had a good victory over Victor Ortiz, Devon Alexander 26-2 coming off a defeat against Shawn Porter, but had a win over Jesus Soto Karass and Chris Algieri 20-1 entering the Khan fight after losing to Pacquiao.
Khan’s resume at welterweight leaves much to be desired.
From a stylistic standpoint, Khan’s hand speed can present some problems for Mayweather and Khan is certainly a good fighter.
The question remains, what has Khan done to separate himself from the rest of the pack? Some of the other fighters in the welterweight division have a greater stake to claim a fight against Mayweather.
Has Khan truly earned a shot at the P4P king and the wealthiest athlete in all of sports? Many believe Khan is just searching for the big pay day.
