Boxing: Amir Khan Could Defeat Floyd Mayweather But Will Have a Hard Time Against Manny Pacquiao, Says Ricky Hatton
World Boxing Council Silver welterweight champion Amir Khan found a supporter in his claims on his ability to win against undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. if they eventually clash.
Former world champion Ricky Hatton believes Khan has the tools to win against Mayweather, but will have a hard time against Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
Recently, Khan said that he could easily defeat Mayweather as he can read him like a book, aside from claiming that he has the qualities that will serve the world's highest-paid athlete's his first defeat. The Bolton, England, native added these are the actual reasons why Mayweather keeps on ducking him.
"I'd fight Floyd Mayweather for peanuts because I know that stylistically I can give him the biggest problems he's ever had," Khan told Sport360.
Fight with Pacquiao in 2016
The two-time champion stated on The National that Pacquiao's promoter, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, already reached out to him for a possible fight with the Philippine pride in March or April, as soon as the 36-year-old fighter recovers from his shoulder injury sustained from training before his May 2 bout with Mayweather.
Khan shared his excitement on this possible clash with "Pacman" in Dubai, on Sport360. Khan noted that this would be a "massive fight," which could be witnessed by huge communities of Filipinos, British and Pakistanis in the city. However, compared to his stand that he could easily beat Mayweather, he acknowledged that "Pacman" will be a tougher opponent for him.
"I might have a harder fight with Manny Pacquiao and beat him but then I might have Mayweather and find it easier to beat him. It's all about styles," Khan added.
Hatton's Comments
The retired British boxer also echoed the thoughts of Khan on why Mayweather did not choose him in his scheduled fight on Sept. 12, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
"I think Amir has the style to beat him and he beats him with speed for me," Hatton told World Boxing News.
"Why take the fight with Khan when it's a potentially difficult fight for Floyd and he's closing in on his career end? I think that's why he's opted for Berto in the end," Hatton added.
However, with regards to a potential fight between Khan and Pacquiao, Hatton said that it will be like a chess or even a fencing match, which will excite boxing fans. The two warriors will try hard and "use their speed and movement" to eventually emerge as the victor.
Hatton took a 2nd round knockout loss to Pacquiao in 2009.
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