By Edward Chaykovsky

Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya says Amir Khan (30-3, 19KOs) has proven himself as arguably the third A-class fighter in the welterweight division. He rates Khan, based on his dominating twelve round decision win over Devon Alexander, as standing right in the mix with division leaders Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. Khan is trying to get in the ring with Mayweather on May 2nd of next year. 

“You have Manny Pacquiao, you have Floyd Mayweather, and you have Amir Khan. He’s on their level. Right now, I’d say that Amir Khan is faster than both Mayweather and Pacquiao. He looked explosive [with Alexander]," De La Hoya said. “With his performance, he made a huge statement. He shutout a guy who shutout Marcos Maidana, who gave Mayweather a tough fight, and he hasn’t even hit his stride yet. I think Khan is going to get better. Eventually, those two – Mayweather and Pacquiao – have to fight Amir Khan.”