By James Slater
It may come as no real surprise to fight fans, but it seems Amir Khans days as a 140-pounder have come to an end. The former WBA/IBF light-welterweight champ, in speaking with Steve Lillis of BoxNation, said he is looking at moving up to 147 and challenging the winner of May 18ths clash between IBF welterweight champ and British challenger (and replacement for the injured Kell Brook) Lee Purdy.
As fans may have read, Khans ultimate goal is a massive fight with pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Junior, and a win over Alexander or Purdy might well get Khan what he wants.
Going up to welterweight and fighting Devon Alexander is a possibility, Khan, who will meet with Richard Schaefer this week in L.A, told Lillis. It seems the fights at light-welterweight with Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson are not getting made. I am not going to wait around for them because one day they will move up. I am getting big for the weight and I am just going to see what Richard Schaefer says when we meet.
I could be one fight away from the Mayweather fight if things go to plan.
If Khan does face either Alexander or Purdy next, the fight would take place in December, meaning Khan would fight Mayweather next spring at the earliest. Once again, Khan who was in Las Vegas last night and had predicted a win for Floyd repeated his belief that he has the style needed to upset Money.
To beat Floyd you have to beat him at his home game, Khan stated. Box him the way he fights. You have to use speed. Of all the fighters who can face him I would have a chance because of my speed. I have got the speed and ability that can cope with him.
But can Khan get past the talented, once-beaten Devon Alexander?