Amir Khan looking confident before his battle vs. Lamont Peterson in late 2011 (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)
By Chris Robinson
As the days pass by, it seems more and more likely that an announcement regarding a Floyd Mayweather vs. Amir Khan clash could be just around the corner for May 3 of next year.
Mayweather recently told reporter David Mayo that he was possibly announcing some big news next week, while Khan has went on record stating that he himself is eyeing a May return with hopes of landing the coveted shot with Floyd.
In all honestly, Khan hasn’t fully restored the luster that was taken from his career following his July 2012 stoppage loss to Danny Garcia, so it should be no surprise that not every fan is embracing this matchup.
Add on the fact that Mayweather is looking as good as ever in the wake of his rout of Saul Alvarez in September, and it’s understandable why he would be such a huge favorite over his potential British foe.
A recent conversation with Showtime analyst Steve Farhood, however, offered up another viewpoint on the fight.
“My take on that scenario is different from most people,” Farhood stated from the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Wash. ahead of this weekend’s ShoBox card.
“Most people say ‘What has Khan done to deserve the fight? He hasn’t looked good his past couple of fights,’” Farhood added. “My approach is that styles make fights and I think Khan has a style, being tall, being rangy, and being very fast, that could give Floyd a lot of trouble.”
Farhood reflected back to Mayweather’s matchup with Oscar De La Hoya in May of 2007 as a possible precursor to how Khan will look to attack.
“The blueprint for how to fight Floyd was created by Oscar De La Hoya years ago,” Farhood said. “Rangy, tall guy with a good jab. That’s the way Khan will fight. Now, Khan’s weakness we know is his chin; I don’t think Floyd’s a big puncher anymore. Maybe that won’t even come into play. I don’t think it’s as easy as a fight as most people think.”
Mayweather is heading into the third fight in his record-breaking six-fight deal with Showtime.
And while Mayweather has claimed that his time in the sport will be up after the last fight on the contract, Farhood has his doubts.
“It will be very hard for him to walk away,” Farhood stated. “First of all, Floyd lives a very nice lifestyle. He needs the money. I’m sure his money is making money as we speak, but none the less, he’s accustomed to that lifestyle, the ego-gratification you get being the best fighter in the world.
“Why will he be different from 99% of other great fighters?” Farhood asked. “They all stay too long. I hope it doesn’t happen to Floyd but I wouldn’t bet that it doesn’t happen to Floyd.”
*** PLEASE CHECK BELOW for the full-length interview where Farhood discusses more aspects of Mayweather’s career, as well as other exclusives…
‘I think Khan has a style that could give Floyd a lot of trouble’ [Steve Farhood Exclusive]
J’Leon gets deep on his Kronk days, sparring with Floyd and Margarito, moving to Vegas, and more
Roger Mayweather believes boxing will bounce back strong even after Floyd retires
Hank Lundy calls for HBO clash with Karim Mayfield and speaks on his training w/ Adrien Broner
Bob Arum denies that Miguel Cotto has been offered $15 million to face Sergio Martinez
Breaking down Zab Judah vs. Paulie Malignaggi with Showtime’s Steve Farhood
Luis ‘Cuba’ Arias recalls his boxing history and the steps that led him to Mayweather Promotions
Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com