If boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather (45-0, 26 KOs) is going to stand by his recent fan poll, then his next fight will come against Amir Khan (28-3, 20 KOs) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 3.
According to Yahoo Sports' Kevin Iole, Khan prevailed over Marcos Maidana in the week-long fan voting that Mayweather announced on Twitter back on Feb. 3. The voting closed on Sunday, with Khan recording 20,105 votes to 15,474 for Maidana.
Although the fight has yet to be officially booked, it would appear likely given the fact that rumors of a Mayweather-Khan clash have been swirling for some time. However, based on Khan's recent performances against Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson, it remains to be seen just how competitive this matchup would be.
Count legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach among the first to doubt Khan's ability to spring the upset, per BoxingScene.com's Keith Idec:
I said in public that Amir Khan has a good style for Mayweather. But I never said he was going to beat Mayweather. I don’t think he can beat Mayweather, but he can give him trouble. He’s very athletic, he’s in and out very quick.
His problem is that he likes to stay in the pocket a little bit too long sometimes, and that usually costs him. When it costs him, he doesn’t have a great chin. And let’s face it, Mayweather can punch when he wants to. When he wants to draw you in, if you look at his fights against Ricky Hatton and a couple other guys, he can punch when he wants to.
While Mayweather's bold and unique way of selecting his next opponent may appear gutsy at first glance, it's hardly courageous given the quality of the opposition.
As Iole points out, Khan is the lesser of two evils in this case. Although many will be skeptical as to how effective the 27-year-old can be against Mayweather's speed and unrivaled defense, it's clear that Maidana would have been no match for the undefeated veteran.
Neither Khan nor Maidana have been able to build a convincing resume, and given their respective weaknesses inside the ring, it's fair to say that Mayweather would be an overwhelming favorite against either one.
Still, the prospects of a Mayweather-Khan showdown this coming spring is exciting for those itching to see the soon-to-be 37-year-old back in the ring.
Mayweather has been awfully impressive in his past two victories over Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Robert Guerrero, setting the stage for another high-stakes bout. And at 45-0, Mayweather's perfect record and remarkable legacy are on the line each and every time he steps into the ring.
But while Mayweather will be favored to win his next fight, regardless of the opponent, he's only one lucky punch away from being humbled.
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