Khan targeting shot at Mayweather

Amir Khan has revealed he could fight American superstar Floyd Mayweather next year with the blessing and backing of friend and sparring partner Manny Pacquiao.

England’s WBA light-welterweight champion continues his American adventure in December with a mandatory defence against heavy-handed Argentinian Marcos Maidana in Las Vegas.

Khan, 23, has come on in leaps and bounds since relocating to California and joining up with renowned trainer Freddie Roach nearly two years ago, but freely admits he still has progress to make before he is ready to take on the very best.

Maidana will certainly represent a stern test on December 11, a respected puncher challenging a champion with a reputation for being vulnerable. And while Khan respects the danger posed by the South American brawler, he is also planning for the long-term and revealed a Mayweather showdown is a definite possibility.

Indeed, the Briton has been encouraged by the support of his friend Pacquiao, who somehow failed to agree the biggest fight in the history of the sport against Mayweather.

Khan said: “Manny thinks it will be a good fight because he’s trained with me, sparred with me and he really thinks I’m good enough to fight Mayweather. I think in the next 12 months, when I get even better and with more experience, I’ll be in better condition to fight him then.”