By Mark Vester
Speaking with Gavin Glicksman of The Sun, WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan stuck up for his close friend, David Haye. He says the WBA heavyweight champ is not avoiding a fight with either of the Klitschko brothers. Khan gave the opinion that a lot of people misunderstand the business side of boxing and believe Haye is ducking the Klitschkos, but in reality the contracts terms are the root issue.
"I speak to him quite often and I know how much he wants the Klitschkos. He's confident he can beat them and he wants to face them. The problem is a lot of people don't understand that wanting a fight does not always make it happen," Khan said.
"Twelve months ago, people thought I was scared of Maidana because the fight wasn't made. I wanted to fight him but terms couldn't be agreed — and that is what's happening now with Haye and the Klitschkos. It's the negotiations that people don't understand. It's so hard to make fights these days because you've got two different promoters involved and lots of money issues."
Khan clearly picks Haye to beat Audley Harrison on Saturday night at the MEN Arena in Manchester. Like Harrison, Khan is an Olympic medal winner. He doesn't think Harrison adapted well to the pro boxing ranks. Because of Harrison's height and reach, Khan thinks it's the perfect fight to prepare Haye for the Klitschkos.
"Harrison won an Olympic gold medal, which is not easy, but I just don't think he ever really adapted to being a professional. This is his big chance and in heavyweight boxing one punch can change everything. But I think Haye will go in there with his explosive style and try to get him out of there early," Khan said.
"Haye needed an opponent and I think Harrison is good for him because he should be perfect preparation for the Klitschkos. Harrison's got a similar style to them with the long jab and everything — the only real difference is he's a southpaw. I think it will be a good tune-up fight for Haye to work towards facing one of the Klitschkos."
