NAILING down a May 3 shot at Floyd Mayweather is just one task on Amir Khan?s to-do list. He has achieved plenty so far with his gloved fists; Olympic silver in 2004 was the highlight of his amateur career, and WBA and IBF light-welterweight belts his finest professional trophies. But the 27-year-old insists there are plenty more prizes to snag.
?There?s so much [for me to do],? he told Boxing News. ?I want to win world titles at different weight classes ? that?s my real drive. Many of the very best fighters in the history of the sport have been able to do that and that?s the goal and target I?ve set for myself.?
Victory over Mayweather would certainly set him on his way, but the odds are stacked against him. Losses to Breidiss Prescott, Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia highlight plenty of reasons behind the lack of faith, and one must also consider that Khan ? still getting to grips with new trainer Virgil Hunter ? is in the midst of the most inactive spell of his career.
?It doesn?t concern me,? Khan countered. ?I think the time out has been good because I?ve had chance to work on things I?ve always wanted to work and improve on. I?m sure in my next fight everyone will see that the time in the gym has done me.
?[Virgil and I] are beginning to get to know one another better and gain a real understanding. I?ve been with him for over a year now and you can see the development we?ve made together. He?s bringing me along well and I?ve learnt a hell of a lot in such a short space of time. We?re still growing and over the next year I really believe everyone will see the benefits of the work we?ve been doing together.?
The last time the pair were seen in action, Khan posted a typically thrilling yet flawed performance to outscore veteran Julio Diaz. It came in April last year, and was not the most convincing audition for the role of co-star to the biggest draw in the sport.
Khan insists – should the Las Vegas blockbuster alongside Mayweather go into production – that a warm-up performance will not be necessary.
?Some fighters can go very long periods without fighting and then all of a sudden go in against top class opposition. We?ve seen it in the past with fighters. But there are some who like to stay active and fight every few months. I feel I?m able to go in with anyone and still be at the top of my game regardless if I?ve been out of action for a while.”
The stage is almost set for Khan to realise his dreams.
?I want to face the very best names in boxing,? he concludes. ?Even though I can look back on my career and be proud, there?s still so much more for me to accomplish.?
