Although there has yet to be any ‘official’ announcement regarding Floyd Mayweather’s September 12th opponent, the consensus in the boxing world is that Florida’s Andre Berto has got the call to be Mayweather’s 49th dance partner, and Britain’s Amir Khan – who had been so desperately pleading for the fight – has been left on the sidelines, jilted before he even got to the altar.
It would seem to most right-thinking fans that the best fight for both men would be an all-British clash between Khan and current IBF 147 lb champion Kell Brook, yet Khan has been aggressively insistent that he feels the champion is undeserving of a fight against him, given he thinks he is the bigger name and attraction (having fought at a higher level) in spite of him not being a current, reigning world champion.
That stance hasn’t changed – yet, although in an interview with ‘The National’ Khan has revealed that talks between him and Brook’s promoter Eddie Hearn have indeed taken place, and provided Brook fights – and obviously wins – against a couple of ‘big names’, Khan can see the fight taking place next year.
“Eddie sent me a text and I invited him to Bolton,” Khan said. “We had a meeting at my office and we discussed everything for a potential fight against Kell Brook in 2016.
“I have made it clear to Eddie that I want this fight to be a big fight worldwide, not just in the UK. I told him Kell needs to fight a couple of big names and beat them, obviously. That will make our fight even bigger.
“The fight will be a Khan Promotions and Matchroom Promotions event in the UK, at Wembley Stadium.”
For his part, Khan believes that should the fight come off, he has the tools to beat the “Special One”
“Eddie believes this is a 50-50 fight, most of the fans believe this is a 50-50 fight, and our history together, that’s why this is such a huge fight in the UK.
“Do I think this is a 50-50 fight? Absolutely not, Kell is a very comfortable opponent for me. Styles make fights and his style is perfect for me. I will beat him very easily. He won’t be able to handle my speed, power and footwork.”
Brook had entered into advanced talks for a fight with American brawler Brandon Rios, athough that bout came unstuck due to Rios wanting a rematch clause that team Brook would not agree to, as well as the issue of “Bam Bam” using (or not) his preferred Everlast MX gloves.
On the Rios issue, Khan said;
“He (Brook) refused the fight with Brandon Rios because there was an issue with a rematch clause in the contract. Why does there need to be a rematch clause? Because he is not confident of beating Rios.
“I have never in my career demanded for a rematch clause. I will fight anyone they put in front of me and that’s what I’ve been doing my entire career.”
It would seem the ball is now in the court of Brook and Matchroom who are scrabbling for an opponent for the Sheffield man’s next defence given the Rios situation.
Fans are praying that rumours of a fight with California based South African Chris Van Heerden are just that, as such a low key opponent will surely do nothing to elevate Brook’s status in the eyes of Khan or anyone else.
Brook last boxed in May against Frankie Gavin in a one sided defence. His career best win remains the fight with Shawn Porter in August of last year that earned him his current IBF strap.
Khan was last out the same month, going life or death with light-hitting American Chris Algieri.
Twitter @Undilutedpoison
