No Decision Made on Amir Khan’s Next Fight

While there has been much speculation regarding Amir Khan’s next fight, only one thing is abundantly clear - there is no shortage of attractive opponents.

With the talent laden 140-pound division serving as the backdrop, there have been rumors that Khan, the WBA titleholder, may face WBO belt holder Timothy Bradley or “interim” WBA titlist Marcos Maidana in his next fight.

Others have speculated that next up could be one of two other very good fighters who also reside in the division - titlist Devon Alexander (WBC) and Juan Urango (IBF). There was also a recent mention that Khan could appear on the undercard of the proposed March 13 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Then of course there is always the Ricky Hatton rumor.

However, we can report that none of the above rumors have any real basis in fact and that no serious discussions have transpired between Khan and his promotional team.

A source who is not authorized to comment on the record told this reporter that in the 10 days since Khan dusted Dmitriy Salita in only 76 seconds, there have been no formal talks regarding Khan’s next fight or his next opponent.

“The target date for Amir’s next fight is sometime in March,” said the source. “As far as who it will be and where it will be is mostly up to Amir. Frank (Warren) is planning to get together with Amir or talk to him before the end of the year to get his thoughts.

“I can tell you right now, there is nobody in particular that anybody is thinking of - at least as far as I know. I’ve read the same stories as everyone else that says he’s fighting here and there against pretty much everyone in the top ten, but I don’t know where any of that comes from.”

Khan is currently spending the holidays with his family in Bolton and has plans to return to Los Angeles in early January. It’s not known if he will go to the Philippines to assist Manny Pacquiao in preparations for a possible fight against Mayweather.

“A lot of things have to be worked out,” said the source. “Some of it depends on what Freddie and Manny are doing. But I can tell you that the next opponent will have to be OK’d by Freddie first. Then depending on who the opponent is will determine whether the fight is held here in Britain or in the U.S. So, a lot to figure out.”


December 2009