What could 2015 hold in store for Amir Khan?
Hand speed, foot work and movement. Three attributes that have built the foundations of Amir Khan’s success. A former WBA, WBA (Super) and IBF Light Welterweight title holder, Khan, 28, has fought some of the biggest names in 21st century boxing including Paulie Malignaggi, Marcos Maidana and Devon Alexander – all three wins convincing and authoritative, highlighting his dominance in speed and spatial awareness. However, despite the Olympic, domestic and international stardom, many still question the Bolton stars discipline and his untenable chin. But what’s next for Amir Khan? Who next on his impressive résumé? Having secured his place in welterweight and world boxing history, Khan is still fighting for future international recognition.
So what does 2015 hold in store for Khan? Let’s take a look at his possible options.
Floyd Mayweather
Often negotiations and purse bids take place behind closed doors. Both teams’ strategize and move, they negotiate before explicitly reporting to the worlds press that the fight is on. It’s very rare that a sustained campaign with a social media presence similar to that of a presidential election takes place so openly.
However, it’s no secret. Whether he’s composed, collected or imitating the self-proclaimed ‘TBE’ as Floyd Mayweather’s colloquially known with a cardboard mask and £20 notes, Khan has been hunting tirelessly for the Mayweather fight. Khan claims he’s earned his position in the queue, the jackpot of modern day boxing, the golden ticket to fight the unbeaten pound for pound King (47-0-0). Having danced with the best in the ring, surely Khan’s right is as good as anybody’s to engage in war at the MGM Grand which has become Floyds second home. So why is Floyd so evasive about the possibility of a Mayweather V Khan summer fight? Is Money May avoiding Khan? Mayweather monopolises the division, picking and choosing opponents who are big enough names to capture the public’s attention but strategically outclassed and mentally defeated before they enter the ring.
Although nothing is finalised, I can’t see this fight happening, at least not this year. Although Khan has all the right ingredients to pose Mayweather a lot of questions, Floyd seems to be pursuing the fan’s option and the long overdue battle with Manny Pacquiao alongside being linked with a possible rematch with Miguel Cotto. Maybe Mayweather is ‘ducking’ Khan? Maybe he’s looked at Khan and questions his own illusive unbeaten record? As great as Mayweather is, he’s premeditated, pragmatic and cunning. Any threat to the unbeaten champ’s record will have to be evaluated before being given the golden ticket to a date at the MGM Grand.
Manny Pacquiao
A former sparring partner under trainer Freddie Roach, Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao have a mutual respect. There’s been much discussion of the infamous sparring incident between the two, with Roach claiming the Pacman knocked Khan down. Khan disputes this and following Pacman’s visit to London last week in which the two shared a ring chatting to the press, both fighters seem to welcome the bout.
However, although both Khan and Pacquiao’s history dates back to their days as stable mates, the two boxers share another quality. Although Manny has proven himself as a fight fans favourite, engaging in boxing warfare with almost everybody, the thought of a Mayweather Vs Pacquaio showdown makes the mouths of many water. Are the two past their best? Possibly. Should the fight have been made years ago? Without doubt. However, both fighters still share an innate, tacit ability to dominate and out class the best of opponents.
Pacquiao has publicly admitted he wants the fight more than ever appearing on Ringside earlier this month solidifying such claims. Mayweather has also expressed his desire to put the one question which overshadows his unbeaten career to rest.
For Khan, he is again stuck in an unfortunate queue. A load mouthed, restless school boy trying to force his way into the line, he has to wait his turn. If Mayweather v Pacquaio goes ahead, Khan could possibly fight either or, but it won’t be until late 2015 at the very earliest. If the deal falls through, we could possibly see Pacquaio V Khan this May. Floyd holds the cards to this encounter, Khan will have to sit patiently for a while longer.
Kell Brook
When it comes to domestic rivalries, they don’t come much larger than Kell Brook v Amir Khan. Dating back to their amateur days, the two have never had a good word to say about one and other.
After a heated argument a couple of years ago on Ringside, Brook and Khan are constantly mentioned in conjunction to one and other. A fight which could potentially sell out Wembley, Brook relishes the opportunity to fight Khan. Even after his victorious world title fight with Shawn Porter, Brook was quick to call Khan out, pointing the finger at Khan who sat quietly in the studio, praising Brook’s unexpected victory in Carson.
Through indirect tweets and a constant dismissing, Khan frequently disputes Brooks opponents, egotistically claiming Brook has to prove himself at world level before the two fight. The recent IBF welterweight and unbeaten champ faces a fight against Jo-Jo Dan on March 28th, his mandatory challenger. So what next if Brook comes through triumphant? Due to religious requirements Khan wants a fight in May. I can see Eddie Hearn (Brooks promoter) working tirelessly for an end of year Wembley showdown between the respective Bolton and Sheffield rivals but does Khan really want the fight? Khan currently is beltless so a fight against Brook could propel him back onto the world stage. Whether you’re a Brook fan or not, he is still unbeaten and is a recognised world champion, two attributes which Khan currently does not hold. While Khan is correct in stating his record is superior to Kell’s in terms of competition, Khan has few options left with Mayweather and Pacquiao closing in on retirement.
Timothy Bradley
A rising star and a ex WBO welterweight champion, Timothy Bradley had a lot to smile about following his questionable victory over Pacquiao and after successful defences over Provodnikov and Marquez, Bradley was cementing his place at the top of world boxing. However, following a rematch with Pacquaio in which he was completely outclassed and a bloody battle which resulted in a draw with Diego Chaves, Bradley is being asked questions of. At 31, he’s not getting any younger. Bradley needs a victory and a defining performance to propel him back into the spotlight. Could this come in the form of Khan? Possibly.
The two fighters carry contrasting styles with Khan possessing speed and movement and Bradley offering technical ability and a heart which drags him into inevitable brawls. But having seen Pacquiao’s speed completely embarrass and bewilder him, is Khan really a sensible choice for Bradley? It’s a dangerous fight for the former champion especially as the benefactor would only be monetary better off as neither fighter currently has a belt. Bradley should stick to fighting static sloggers and avoid Khan at all costs.
Keith Thurman
Despite a considerably easy performance over Leonard Bundu, Keith Thurman got booed. But why? Simply because he didn’t get a knockout. Only the likes of Tyson received similar reactions and hostility from crowds but this highlights exactly why people come to watch the rising star. A knockout specialist (24-, 21 KO’s) ‘One Time’ Thurman is one of the hottest names in boxing at the minute. Although his last fight was a disappointment he has looked untouchable at recent times, combining a potion of hand speed, power and elusiveness, enough to poison the best of opponents, including Khan.
It is arguable Thurman is similar to Kell Brook in that his opponents haven’t quite matched the callable of Khan’s. However, with a KO percentage as high as his, it would be foolish to write him off. Both men seem to fancy their chances making for a strong possibility after Thurman faces Robert Guerrero in March.
It is ironic how Khan is angered by the lack of respect Mayweather has given him. He’s twisted, wined and complained on several occasions about Mayweather ducking him but there seems to be a similarity. Maybe Mayweather has started to rub off on Khan as Khan seems to have replicated and adopted the Americans derogatory remarks when shunning a domestic showdown with local rival Kell Brook on numerous occasions. Whatever Khan decides to do, I hope the Brook v Khan fight goes ahead while both are in their prime, not another overhyped ignominious failure like Hatton v Witter or a past it’s sell by Lewis v Tyson disappointment.
– Mark Kane / @MarkAnthonyKane
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