By Mark Vester

European junior welterweight champion Paul McCloskey (21-0, 11KOs) has laughed at recent reports that suggest WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan is in the same class as Manny Pacquiao. The undefeated Irish fighter has asked his promoter Brian Peters to make a fight with Khan.

"Just because he has won his last five fights, some people are now talking about him in the same breath as the great Manny Pacquiao ... There is no way whatsoever that he is even remotely near Manny's class," McCloskey told the Irish Idependent.

McCloskey gives Khan some credit. He thinks the British has displayed signs of improvement since 2008, but the chin factor is still there. With only 11 knockouts on his record, it's hard to imagine McCloskey having the power to exploit Khan's chin.

"I know I have the ability to beat Khan," McCloskey said. "Yes, maybe he has improved since he was sensationally knocked out by Breidis Prescott in 54 seconds, but I still think he is vulnerable."

Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingvester@gmail.com