By Terence Dooley
Bolton's Amir Khan has told Sky Sports News that he will steal the show from Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand on Saturday night to set up a dream fight with the American superstar. Khan, 27, meets New York's Luis Collazo, 33, for the WBC's Silver welterweight title on the undercard of Mayweather versus Marcos Maidana, he believes that a big win will lead to a Mayweather money spinner.
"For the last 12 months, I've not fought [he beat Julio Diaz last May], but for eight months I've been in the gym. I'm in great shape, have had great sparring and am ready to against a great guy Luis Collazo [35-5 (18)]. Virgil [Hunter] is a great trainer, he's made a lot of difference in my style. Where my feet have to be to be in position. My hands as well. What shots I need to throw. What I don't need to throw and not jumping into attacks with no defence, because that's when you get caught."
Khan is fighting at 147 for the first time, but the 28-3 (19) former world titlist argued that the step up in weight will allow him to show his best form against Collazo, who gave fellow British boxer Ricky Hatton a hard night before dropping a decision in May 2006.
"I was killing myself making light-welterweight," he said. "I definitely drained myself and would have to lose about 10lbs the day before the weigh in, which is a lot when you're already in great shape. I feel happy at this weight, I've worked on keeping hold of that strength and power and won't come into the fight drained. I'm excited about putting on a great performance on Saturday night.
"Collazao has fought Ricky, Mosley and Berto, and gave them tough, tough fights. I could have taken easier fights, Collazo thinks he can beat me, that it's the worst time to pick him for my first fight at 147. I need a challenge, and he's a great challenge for me, I really believe I can win this fight."
Mayweather is favourite to beat Maidana. The consensus pound-for-pound king hinted that Khan would be in the opposite corner come Saturday before electing to take on Maidana. A growing number of fans have called for Mayweather versus Khan, if only to see Mayweather matched against a speedy fighter, and Mayweather's father, Floyd Senior, has also talked about a potential fight.
"People are talking about one fight everywhere I go in Vegas, and that's Amir Khan versus Floyd Mayweather. I can't look past Luis Collazo, but everywhere I go - different gyms, meeting different fighters - they want to see Khan-Mayweather. The hype is so big in America - I didn't think it was this big," insisted Khan. "His father said he wants Floyd to fight me—at one time he said I wasn't good enough to fight his son. I believe I can steal the show on May 3rd by putting on a great performance against Collazo."
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