Khan casts doubts over Mayweather’s ability

Following Floyd Mayweather Jnr’s win in his rematch with Argentine Marcos Maidana, Amir Khan has claimed that the 37-year-old is starting to show flaws, and is no longer invulnerable.

Khan, who is hoping for a bout against Mayweather in 2015, was a studio analyst for the American’s rematch in Las Vegas, and is unconvinced that he can remain unbeaten.

“I saw a lot of flaws today which I’d never seen before, I saw him ageing big time,” Khan said following the fight. “There was no doubt from the officials about the winner but he is showing signs of wear and tear. At times he got caught with shots that really weren’t that hard and you could see his legs were hurt,” continued Khan.

The Bolton-born boxer also acknowledged that Mayweather is a different fighting character to the one he used to be: “Age is getting to him. He’s a great fighter, he’s unbeaten, but he’s not the same Floyd Mayweather I saw five fights ago.

“His speed is still there but his combinations have gone. It’s more single shots now. Maidana was catching him, having a lot of success, and is nowhere near as quick as me.”

Khan also recognises there are similarities between himself and his potential opponent: “Fighting Floyd Mayweather would make sense because of our styles and it would make a good fight. Speed and explosiveness and movement – someone who is quicker than Floyd with a good jab and is young and hungry and has great fitness – they’re the things that will give Mayweather problems.

“If it happens, it happens. I’d fight him in the UK, or I’d fight him over here, and we could turn Vegas into a mini-England, just like Ricky Hatton’s fans did.”

However, despite differing reports that Khan is only interested in the financial package that the fight would give him, the fighter insists this is far from the truth. “I don’t want this fight because of the purse,” he continued.

“I’ve been treated well financially throughout my whole career. I just want the opportunity. I’d give him 10 times more problems than Maidana did.

“We’re both big names and it will be a massive fight. I really believe he’s a worried man and he’s worried about the speed. I’ve heard it from a lot of trainers around America. They say Floyd is asking: ‘Is Amir really that quick’?”

Meanwhile, George Groves returns to the ring after his defeat to Carl Froch, and is odds-on at 1/7 to beat Christopher Rebrasse.