by James Slater: According to an article on Sky Sports.com, Nate Campbell, the reigning world lightweight king, has no respect for the prospective challenge of the unbeaten Amir Khan. Khan, as fight fans know, has spoken of his desire to box Campbell later this year, but “The Galaxxy Warrior” is not impressed. “Amir has plenty of heart,” the 36 year old said. “but he’s not ready for me. But the only way he can show the world he is not a big fraud is by taking me on. I hope khan is stupid enough not to be afraid..”
At just 21 years of age, and with nowhere near the pro experience Campbell has under his belt, Khan would likely be rushing things if he fought such a hardened pro as Campbell before at least a few more fights. Still, money talks and Amir has also said on occasion that he would like to become a recognised world champion at a younger age than one of the fighters he looks up to, in Naseem Hamed, was when “The Prince” became king.
Campbell says he has no qualms at all about boxing Khan if the money’s right, and in the U.K at that.
“Amir can come and get it any time. I’d make that fight tonight,” Campbell said late on Saturday. “I’ve got no problems coming to England, but it’s [the fight] worth a lot of money. If they make us happy, we’re on the first plane,” the confident world champion remarked.
Khan, who picked up the WBO number one position with his last win, over the Dane, Martin Kristjansen, is now the mandatory for one of the belts Campbell holds. But “The Galaxxy Warrior was not impressed by Khan’s latest victory.
“Who’s Khan fight?” demanded the champ. “Willie Limond, who couldn’t even punch and almost knocked him out. The last guy (Kristjansen) couldn’t have knocked him down with a hammer. So what’s Khan going to do when he fights a guy like me? I can do anything there is to do in the ring. I haven’t been hurt my whole career, so I’m not worried about Amir Khan. I’m only worried about how much they’re going to pay me,” the 36 year old concluded.
It seems the mere mention of a relative novice such as Khan as a challenger for a champion who has paid as many dues as Campbell has more than slightly annoyed the lightweight ruler. In time the fight may happen, but Khan should not rush into a ring with as seasoned a fighter as Campbell just yet.