PROMOTER Oscar De La Hoya expects Amir Khan to join the likes of himself and Manny Pacquiao as a multi-weight world champion in the coming years.
Ring legend and promotional heavyweight De La Hoya has taken Khan under his wing as the 24-year-old Bolton boxing star seeks to establish himself among the sport?s pound-for-pound elite.
While tonight?s WBA light-welterweight title defence against Paul McCloskey in Manchester may not do much to enhance those credentials globally, De La Hoya?s backing certainly will, with the former six-weight champion believing Khan will go down in history as a great.
?Amir Khan has made a tremendous splash in America,? De La Hoya said.
?His fights last year with Paulie Malignaggi (in New York) and Marcos Maidana (in Las Vegas) have really made him almost a household name in America.
?He?s on the right track to becoming one of those fighters who people will talk about for years to come.
?He has the talent, the drive, the desire and motivation to become great. At his young age I feel he has the focus, which is probably the most important factor in his game.?
Both Khan and his trainer Freddie Roach believe he has the physique to support a move up through the weights and De La Hoya, who won world titles from super-featherweight to middleweight, agrees.
?There is no doubt in my mind he can be a five-weight division champion. As long as he doesn?t beat my record of six then we?re okay with it!
?He can move up to light-middleweight if he wants to. He has the frame, speed and power.?
