Khan: Canelo Too Flat-Footed, Mayweather Will Beat Him

By Terence Dooley

Bolton’s Amir Khan returned to the U.K. for his last fight, a decision win over Julio Diaz at Sheffield’s Motopoint Arena in April, but he is preparing himself for another Stateside run, hopefully against IBF welterweight titlist Devon Alexander in December, in a bid to make himself eligible for the Floyd Mayweather sweepstakes.

Khan’s high profile and tendency to be involved in exciting fights — win or lose — saw him touted as a potential opponent for “Money” at one point.  Many within the trade believe that the 26-year-old is still one impressive win and a major title away from earning a crack at Floyd.  Khan, though, just wants to get himself back amongst the titles first and insists that the British fans will flock over to support him in the U.S. if he can secure yet another major fight.

“I came home for my U.K. fans, because I love the support over here, but I’d like to take that support over to America for another big fight,” said Khan when speaking to Boxingscene.  “I’ll be back over there soon and look forward to catching up with the American fans.

“We’ve changed a few little things in my training camp since I joined Virgil [Hunter].  When I got to around 152 and 150 in my other training camps, I was taking people out in sparring, so at 147 we’ll keep the speed and also have the strength and power in future fights.”

Mayweather meets Saul Alvarez on September 14th.  Khan believes that the undefeated American will beat his unbeaten Mexican opponent due to Mayweather’s ability to negate pressure and his tendency to feast on come forward fighters.  Indeed, Khan, 28-3 (19), feels he has the mixture of style, footwork and speed needed to trouble Floyd.

“They want it, definitely,” he said when asked if Golden Boy and Mayweather have discussed an America Vs Britain showdown between the two fighters.  “It is something Mayweather wants, so why not?  It is a great fight because Floyd knows the British supporters will come out for it and go crazy for the fight.”

He added: “I pick Mayweather for this next fight.  Alvarez is flat-footed so Mayweather will be able to get away from him and his hand speed will be a big factor.  Mayweather fights guys who come forward — he likes fighting that type of fighter so he’s gone for the easier fight in Alvarez.”

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