Khan Sees Judah as a Road To Mayweather-Ortiz Winner

By Phil D. Jay

WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan is expecting a tough fight on July 23rd when he meets four-time world champion Zab Judah in Las Vegas, but believes that ‘Super’ Judah is the ideal preparation to take him up into the 147lb division where the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao rule.

The former Olympian is aware that the general opinion is that IBF champion Judah can expose what many still believes is a weak chin that Khan possesses, but the Bolton fighter has stated that he will have no qualms in standing toe-to-toe with the New Yorker when the two square-up at The Mandalay Bay.

“Judah has been there on the big occasions, he’s clever at getting under his opponent’s skin, is a good fighter and a very dangerous opponent for me,” said Khan to The Telegraph. “Zab has the power, fast hands, and the experience, but I have the talent and speed to beat him. I want tough fights, against guys who are well-known, and respected.

A win over the highly-rated Judah could lead Khan into a four-belt unification against WBC and WBO title holder Timothy Bradley, who Khan originally wanted to fight, but failed to negotiate with. But if ‘Desert Storm’ is unwilling, then Khan could hit 147lbs before Christmas.

“I think a win over Judah will give me more confidence to go up to welterweight. I do want to fight Floyd Mayweather. I’m not going to wait around in the 140lb division for Bradley. The bigger names, the harder fights are in the welterweight division.

“The winner of Mayweather and Victor Ortiz [scheduled for the autumn of 2011] would be ideal for me. I think I have the style for Mayweather. I don’t think he has fought anyone with the speed and angles I can create,” added Khan.

Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene for worldboxingnews.net