Amir Khan didn't score the dominant knockout performance he had hoped for when he took on Chris Algieri on Friday as the headliner of Spike TV's Friday Night Lights Out show, but he did score a fairly wide decision victory. Khan thinks the win elevated his stock for a September fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., which he has called for since early 2014.
"I don't think I have ever been closer to getting the fight with Floyd Mayweather than I am at this moment," Khan said. "The indications are that I have strengthened my case with my win over Algieri and I believe there is every chance the fight could be confirmed within the next two weeks."
Against Algieri, one of Khan's old flaws reared its head. He was stunned badly in the second round by a right hand from Algieri, and his momentary shakiness brought back memories of past knockout losses. To his credit Khan quickly recovered, and when he was able to move freely he outboxed Algieri easily.
Khan also flashed his fast hands and landed multiple combinations of three-plus punches, although none of his shots appeared to hurt Algieri. The performance served to further Khan's career, but left few who saw it convinced he has the answer's to Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s superb defense.
Mayweather's father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., said his son deserves to end his career with a less threatening fight and said Khan would be a good opponent for that.
"I'll tell you what I think my son should do in September - given he's fought all the hard-hitters - my son needs to get his contract and end it with an easy fight, he don't need no tough fights. Amir Khan? Yes, that'd be a good fight for him. My son would beat him, I know. Of course it would be easier than Pacquiao. Khan has a pretty decent jab but all the technical things, he can't do [them]."
[ESPN]
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