Amir Khan should’ve been in this same position last year but instead he ducked Alexander in hopes of landing the big money fight with Floyd Mayweather. Instead he was passed up by Marcos Maidana and forced to prove himself all over again. This year he’s chosen to make sure that he grabs the next Mayweather fight by making a statement against Alexander.
It is possible that the added year has made Khan a better fighter and it could’ve also made Mayweather a step slower, but I doubt both scenarios.
Khan still has an extremely questionable chin, a lackadaisical fighting style and a soft jab. Khan doesn’t scare any welterweights with his power, which is why he will need to show fans that he deserves a Mayweather fight by dominating Alexander.
For boxing fans a win isn’t enough and believe you me, the fans are finally the ones with the control. As boxing PPV buys are declining, and it’s best fighters ageing, there’s more pressure now for promoters to put together enticing match ups.
This is scene by the advancements of Mayweather-Pacquiao fight talks. Even though the fight may never occur, it cannot be dismissed that the fans have made the two sides talk more about the possibility than ever before. That is why Khan isn’t fighting to impress Mayweather or Showtime, but the fans. The fans will give the thumbs up by supporting the PPV and purchasing the fight. Floyd gets paid regardless, Showtime on the other hand will feel the pressure of diminishing revenue.
The time has finally come where the best fighters will make the most money and Khan must prove that he’s in that upper echelon of fighters.
Keith Thurman takes on undefeated fighter Leonard Bundu on the undercard of this fight and while Bundu has a great record, he isn’t in Thurman’s class. Thurman should make quick work of Bundu and turn his focus towards his pursuit of marquee fights.
This week he’s made it known that he feels that he should be the next fighter to fight Floyd Mayweather, but if Floyd ignores his advances (Floyd would be dumb to entertain such a dangerous fight) then Thurman has also called out Khan, Alexander, and Marcos Maidana.
I’d say thats a good way to cover all of his bases. Regardless, ‘One Time’ will see his stock rise tremendously in 2015 if he makes a strong statement against Bundu tonight.