Sam Baldwin: Amir Khan, making his American debut this week against Paulie Malignaggi at New Yorks Madison Square Garden, speaking with Steve Bunce said: “This is not an easy fight like some peole claim and after this I will silence people by fighting one of the top Americans.” Khan said.
“I’ve heard a lot of people accusing me of taking the easy route and that is crazy- I fight the men that my promoters put in front of me..”
Timothy Bradley holds the 140lb WBO belt whilst Devon Alexander holds the WBC/IBF titles. Both fighters have HBO dates without opponents, Bradley on July 17th and Alexander in August. With Maidana recently being ruled out with a back injury and Khan highly unlikely to be ready in time for Bradley/Alexanders July & August HBO dates, this reduces the pool of talent available down to the winner of Ortiz Vs Nate Campbell (Also fighting on May15th) or possibly Joan Guzman who famously weighed in a staggering 9lbs over the light weight limit of 135lbs against Ali Funeka (144lbs) in there recent light weight clash.
Nevertheless, Guzman is a gifted boxer and widely regarded in the boxing fraternity as a far more credible opponent for Khan then the whispers circling of a Zab Judah come back.
Waxing lyrical, Khan stated.
“There are other champions at the moment and I want to start lining them up right now. Let me get rid of Malignaggi and look good doing it- then I will tell Oscar to get me one of the other champions. (Bradley/Alexander) This is a great division at the moment and I want to be known as a great champion. All fighters want to be recognised as real champions when they win the title and that is why I want the big names after this fight.
Khans confidence seems to belie his actions tho, as Frank Warren, Khans ex promoter, who he severed terms with late in 2009, had allegedly had an offer on the table to fight Bradley in early 2009. Golden Boy Promotions also opted for Malignaggi as Khans 1st opponent under the GBP banner who although possesses great boxing ability, has just 5 KO’s as a seasoned pro.
Khans mandatory WBA after beating Salita in a 1st round KO back in December 5th 2009, was Marcos Maidana, the feared and revered Argentinian knock out artist.
Could it be that GBP do not have quite the confidence in there latest acquisition as Khan himself?
Khan has reportedly been offered a lucrative 3 fight contract and it may be the business men at GBP want to protect therir cash cow, for now.!