While rumors of a Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao once again recede into the background, Amir Khan rumors are heating up again. According to team Khan, progress has been made in talks and they are hopeful for an announcement soon.
"It's the fight I've always been after and we're very close now, not too far away," Khan said. "Hopefully something is going to be announced within the next couple of weeks."
Khan's status as the frontrunner continues to be controversial, as many boxing observers do not feel he's earned the right to take part in such a major payday. Khan has a suspect chin, and has been knocked out previously by Danny Garcia, who fought on Mayweather's last undercard and expected to have a shot.
Khan though, says Garcia's not the right choice because his style isn't a threat to Mayweather. According to Khan, Mayweather's more susceptible to elite hand speed and boxing ability, whereas large power punchers simply can't hit him. Khan believes a recent rash of upsets prove he's got a legitimate chance to win.
"Boxing's all over the place at the moment with all the underdogs coming through to win," Khan said. "Shawn Porter was the underdog against [Devon] Alexander then [Adrien] Broner was beaten and knocked down by Maidana. It's the time of the underdogs. If I get the fight against Mayweather I have no doubt I can go and take it."
Mayweather plans to fight in May, which, if Khan is the selection would mean he will enter the ring on a 13-month layoff. Khan's got an answer at the ready for that too, claiming the inactivity has allowed him to be completely in sync with new trainer Virgil Hunter.
"The break has been so good for me because over the last few years I've been training or fighting all the time and this time I've focused on building my relationship with Virgil," he said. "Next time I go into camp I'm going to know exactly what I'm doing with him. I've already been working on correcting the mistakes I've made in the past, so you're only going to see an improvement."
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