Amir Khan Challenges Floyd Mayweather After Win vs. Chris Algieri
The Englishman beat Algieri on a unanimous points decision despite being far from his best, and he immediately set his sights on the unbeaten American. James Robson of the Manchester Evening News provided comments from Khan:
“Look, I think everybody knows Amir Khan wants to fight Floyd. I mean, that’s what we want next. I’m the No. 1 in the WBC. Mayweather is the champion, so let’s make it happen”
The American was stubborn in his approach to the fight but landed numerous big blows in the early exchanges as the home crowd left Khan feeling like a fish out of water.
However, in the all-important late rounds, the Bolton-born fighter showed exactly why he has the credentials to take on the best of the best.
American TV personality Vinny Guadagnino thinks so, too, as he said both pre and post-fight that Khan can pose a big threat to Mayweather’s unbeaten record:
Excited to see the one guy who I think can beat Mayweather,Amir Khan, vs Algieri who's full of surprises.Khan too good though #KhanAlgieri— Vinny Guadagnino (@VINNYGUADAGNINO) May 30, 2015
Terrible fight from Amir but I still have him winning.Still say he gives Floyd a hard fight even though it would be "boring." #PBConSpike— Vinny Guadagnino (@VINNYGUADAGNINO) May 30, 2015
However, "Money" wouldn’t have been quaking in his boots at the prospect of facing Khan if he was watching last night, and he may just look at the Englishman with dollar signs in his eyes.
So, supposing Mayweather’s promise to bow out after one final fight in September is true, a clash with Khan could be good for both parties. Promoter Dave Coldwell suggested the Englishman could turn the Mayweather drama up a few notches after Pacquiao left us all wanting more:
Tell u what, win or lose, you have to be a fan of @AmirKingKhan fights. Excitement & drama is always in the air! #PBConSpike #KhanAlgieri— Dave Coldwell (@davidcoldwell) May 30, 2015
But is Khan really good enough to end the winning streak of arguably the greatest boxer of all time?
There’s no reason why not.
He’s a lot fitter and more agile than any fighter that’s challenged Mayweather in recent times, and while punch resistance has always been his weakness, Khan showed against Algieri that his apparent glass jaw is now double-glazed.
If he gets in the ring with Money, it’ll undoubtedly come down to a battle of wits, but the Englishman’s intelligence, combined with scintillating hand speed, would give him every chance.
Would Mayweather allow his curtain call to be against someone with the potential to dethrone him, though? Time will tell. In the meantime, Las Vegas, prepare yourself.
