IBF featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich taking a break from training in Oxnard, Calif. (Photo: Chris Robinson – www.HustleBoss.com)
By Chris Robinson
While there is still some definite uncertainty in the air, there seems to a be a strong possibility that British star Amir Khan could land a huge pay per view showdown with Floyd Mayweather sometime next year.
While Mayweather is coming off of another sterling performance in taming Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez over twelve rounds on Sept. 14, Khan has struggled in recent contests.
Stopped by Philadelphia’s Danny Garcia in July of last year, Khan won a stoppage victory over Carlos Molina months later and was dropped and later dazed during his unanimous decision victory over Julio Diaz this past April.
Khan wasn’t overly-impressive in either of his last two fights, leading some to question why he is even being considered as an option for the 36-year old Mayweather at this point.
During a recent swing through the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Oxnard, Calif., I gathered some opinions on the potential fight amidst the workouts of some talented pugs.
“I wouldn’t pay to watch it,” stated undefeated junior lightweight prospect Saul Rodriguez (10-0-1, 7 KO’s). “Mayweather should fight, probably Danny Garcia or somebody coming up. Or even Maidana after the Broner fight. Just not Amir Khan.”
For once-beaten junior featherweight Erik Ruiz (9-1, 4 KO’s), the thought of Khan being remotely competitive with Mayweather is one that seems to puzzle him.
“I don’t think that would be a good one,” Ruiz said. “I think Mayweather would outbox and outclass Khan from the beginning, round one.”
Swaying away from the general consensus, junior welterweight prospect Herbert Acevedo (10-1, 5 KO’s) points towards Khan’s quickness as reason enough to think the fight would be interesting.
“I think it will be a good fight,” stated Acevedo. “They are both quick. They may not have the knockout power, but I think Khan’s going to give him a good fight.”
During a break from his work on the heavy bag, IBF featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich (17-0, 8 KO’s) took a second to share his thoughts.
Currently prepping for a Nov. 23 rematch against Billy Dib, Gradovich expressed his disappointment towards Mayweather if the Khan match where to go through.
“Khan doesn’t deserve this fight,” Gradovich implored. “I don’t know why Mayweather would choose this fighter.”
CHECK BELOW FOR the all-access video of several fighters from the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy discussing the Mayweather-Khan matchup and don’t forget to look for other exclusives underneath…
Fighters at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy not feeling Floyd Mayweather vs. Amir Khan
Roger Mayweather Mailbag Vol. 1: Floyd the best of all time? Floyd vs. Tommy Hearns, and more
Marcos Maidana’s sparring partners set ahead of clash with Adrien Broner [CR’s Commentary]
Ana Julaton on her victory over Perla Hernandez, training with Roger Mayweather, and future options
Miguel Cotto offered $10 million to face Canelo in March; Peter Quillin also an option
Floyd Mayweather Sr. Mailbag Vol. 1: Floyd’s sparring w/ Spadafora, Muhammad Ali, training Roger
Evgeny Gradovich continues to grind for the Billy Dib rematch; more hard work at the RGBA
Adrien Broner showing off his game plan for Maidana? Mitt work video highlights while in camp
J’Leon Love mitt work with Rafael Ramos as Dec. 6 Mayweather Promotions card nears
Amir Khan hit by a drunk driver! Takes to Instagram to update fans [CR’s Commentary]
Naazim Richardson discusses Gennady Golovkin vs. Floyd Mayweather, Andre Ward, and Hopkins
Shawn Porter talks sparring at the MBC, taking Alexander’s heart, Broner vs. Maidana, Mayweather
Behind the scenes with Roberto ‘La Amenaza’ Garcia in Texas during his recent victory over Smith
Floyd Mayweather Sr. reveals how the fighters at the Mayweather Boxing Club keep him young
J Love and Cuba speak on their tough sparring, Hopkins wanting to face Floyd, Quillin vs. Rosado
Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com