It came as a shock to most boxing fans when Mayweather vs Berto was officially announced earlier this week. But imagine what Amir Khan’s reaction must have been like…
“Oh, fiddlesticks!” and “Ah, shucks” must have been spilling left, right and center. Mmm…perhaps something a little stronger. However you slice and dice it, the news must have been one bitter pill to swallow. Especially after Khan had been gnawing at Mayweather’s heels for goodness knows how long.
“I’m disappointed not to have got the fight for what is the third time after having been one of the frontrunners,” Khan told Boxing News. “However, there are many big fights out there for me and I’m going to continue working hard to establish myself at the top of the welterweight division.”
Is there something a little amusing about how ol’ Berto – who hasn’t been harping for the fight in any notable capacity – was the one who got the call? Yeah, there kinda’ is. Not that Khan is about to cast any hexes on his fellow stablemate who is also trained under Virgil Hunter.
“Floyd Mayweather has fought the biggest names throughout his career and has earned the right to face whoever he chooses,” Khan said. “I wish my stablemate Andre Berto and trainer Virgil Hunter the very best of luck in the fight. I have seen how hard Andre trains and works and know that he is ready to give Floyd a very tough night.”
So what’s next for Amir Khan? Kell Brook, Manny Pacquiao, Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter? Our money is on Brook – fiscally, it’s the closest thing to a Mayweather fight (if it’s hosted at Wembley Stadium, London).
With Mayweather off the table – and dare we say outside the ropes for good – perhaps we can look forward to a Khan vs Brook domestic dust-up. What do you think?
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