by James Slater – WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan, who has just officially signed up with Golden Boy Promotions, may give up his title and not face mandatory challenger Marcos Maidana. This is the world currently doing the rounds on the internet, most likely due to a news story that appeared in today’s issue of The Star. Nothing has been confirmed as official yet (Khan’s signing with Oscar de la Hoya’s company aside), but the date that has been suggested for Khan’s next fight is May 1st, more than likely in America, and the name being put forth is “Magic Man” Paulie Malignaggi..
It’s not clear yet if Khan will be stripped immediately by the WBA if he does indeed opt to attempt to make his name in the U.S by facing Malignaggi, thus avoiding, for the time being at least, Maidana – or if the ruling body will allow Khan to face the Brooklyn man but then face the Argentine banger after that. What is certain is how many fight fans will begin hurling insults at Khan if he does sidestep Maidana; with them claiming the 23-year-old is afraid of the huge puncher.
Khan may well face the once-beaten slugger in time; we will have to wait and see how things turn out. If Khan were to box in the U.S against the rejuvenated Malignaggi and then face Maidana, would that be so bad? Another question is, will Khan ever work with promoter Frank Warren again? Granted, the majority of fans will be less interested in the answer to that questions, and more so on who they will be seeing the former Olympian fighting next.
Would fans warm to a Khan-Malignaggi fight? Certainly no dud of a match-up, if it took place in New York the 140-pound clash would perhaps do great business. Though he would be seen no doubt as “playing it safe” due to how 29-year-old Malignaggi is no puncher, Khan would likely have a tricky night or pure boxing ahead of him.
But if Khan ignores Maidana – who is already the WBA’s interim champ at the weight – after winning against Malignaggi (if he does win, and it’s no guarantee), where does that leave the man from Argentina? Surely the 26-year-old who is 27-1(26) would get his chance to become the real champion via a fight with the WBA #2 contender?
All this is pure speculation, of course. We simply don’t know yet what Khan will do. And giving up a world title is no easy thing to do. I feel the reigning WBA champ’s pride will force him to face Maidana at some point. Of course, if Khan does take another fight in the meantime, in America or anywhere else, and loses, it will be a whole different ball game.