FOR some time now, Amir Khan has been publicly hunting a superfight. Floyd Mayweather turned him down. Manny Pacquiao did the same.
Then, out of nowhere, it was announced Khan got the next best thing – a shot at WBC world middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
We’re by no means jumping the gun, but if Khan were to do the improbable and beat Canelo, countless doors would fling open for him. Not only would he be the linear middleweight champion, he would gain unprecedented recognition.
We’ve listed five fights that would make a lot of sense should he conquer the flame-haired phenomenon. Click below to read on.
5. Danny Garcia
Prior to confirming his fight with Canelo, Khan had been made mandatory challenger for the WBC welterweight title Garcia currently holds.
Garcia famously stopped Khan in four rounds in 2012 and Amir has expressed his desire to avenge that defeat – indeed, he was in full control before the end came.
It wouldn’t exactly be a blockbuster, but it would be two elite level fighters once again going at it and it would also be an opportunity for Khan to win a world title in a third weight class.
4. Miguel Cotto
At first glance, it could be seen as a slight step down considering Canelo has already beaten Cotto. However the Puerto Rican warlord is still a huge draw and his valiant effort against the Mexican proved he still has a lot to give.
While he may not have a world title to offer, his name recognition and exciting style make him an attractive option. He is also closer to Amir’s size than Canelo and a fight – perhaps at super-welter – would be a fairly even physical match.
3. Gennady Golovkin
Yes, I am suggesting Amir Khan vs Gennady Golovkin would be a good fight. Of course, this is if Khan beats Canelo. In doing so, he would prove he can deal with a considerably bigger and stronger man, thus making a fight with middleweight menace Golovkin more probable.
The plan is for Canelo to fight the Kazakh, should he beat Khan, meaning that if Amir pulled off the upset he would supplant Alvarez as Golovkin’s next opponent in a monster unification fight. And if Khan’s got the cojones to step up against Canelo, he’d probably take on ‘GGG’ as well.
2. Manny Pacquiao
The Filipino icon insists his April ‘rubber’ match with Tim Bradley will be his last fight but let’s face it, it won’t be.
Khan’s status will go through the roof if he beats Canelo and he would become a hugely viable – and lucrative – option for Pacquiao in the twilight of his career. Former sparring partners and gymmates, there’s plenty of history between the two and their styles would make for a great fight.
1. Kell Brook
Those who believed Khan was avoiding Brook were swiftly silenced when Khan confirmed he was fighting Canelo, although it was a big disappointment for those hoping to see the domestic rivals meet in the summer.
However there’s no reason the fight can’t still happen and if Khan comes through against Alvarez, a Brook fight would become even bigger.
It seems unlikely Khan would have a problem moving back down in weight after fighting Canelo and Brook has expressed his desire to fight Amir, regardless of the outcome of his fight with Alvarez.
