Khan Talks Macca, Says "Cleverly Can Reach Calzaghe"

By Mark Vester

WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan spoke to Wales Online about the future of rising light heavyweight star Nathan Cleverly. Khan likes what he sees from Cleverly and says he could reach the same heights as the retired Joe Calzaghe. The unbeaten Cleverly is on the verge of landing a major shot at the WBO title. He won a final eliminator last month with a stoppage of Karo Murat.

Khan and Cleverly shared the same bill when the two fighters were stablemates under promoter Frank Warren. He doesn't want Cleverly to make a tragic career mistake by rushing himself to the big fights.

“I think Nathan will get to the very top,” said Khan. “He has great skills and hits hard and in one or two more fights you will see a world champion. In fact, I believe he will end up being as good as fighter as Joe Calzaghe.”

“I know how much Nathan wants to please the crowd. But that can be dangerous and sometimes you have to get the job done on points. You can’t rush into these fights. You have to be nice and patient and it’s better to throw 25 punches than 40 or 50. I have made that mistake before and that knowledge comes with experience."

Khan took some time to discuss the career of Welsh cruiserweight Enzo Maccarinelli. last nonth Macca was knocked out in brutal fashion by Alexander Frenkel. Many have called for Macca to retire. Khan agrees with those people.

“Enzo’s such a nice guy and he’s had a great career. But it’s the right time for him to retire,” said Khan. "It’s time for him to call it a day and be with his family. Why risk it again? It’s a tough business and it only gets harder as you get older.”