One intriguing clash in the Jr. Welterweight division that has been picking up some steam in recent months is a possible clash between WBA titlist Amir Khan and WBO champion Timothy Bradley. Khan made his American debut this past May with an 11th round stoppage over Paulie Malignaggi and will likely be eyeing some suitable American opponents in the future while Bradley has stated time and time again that he is ready and willing to face the world?s best.
Following his twelve round decision over Carlos Abregu a few weeks back Bradley made a bold statement in calling out reigning WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, a stable mate of Khan?s at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. Upon hearing the news Freddie Roach, trainer to both Khan and Pacquiao, instantly scoffed at the Palm Springs native, stating that Pacquiao would destroy him one under one round. Regardless of what you think of the matchup a fight with Khan certainly seems more realistic for Bradley at the moment as opposed to trying to chase down the sport?s pound for pound king.
An interesting side story to a possible Bradley-Khan clash is the fact that in the past few days the two men apparently had linked up on the social networking site Twitter and found themselves in a heated war of words. In a Boxing Scene interview with Lem Satterfield, Khan stated that he saw Bradley?s victory over Abregu and that the American?s style is tailor made for him. ?I think that I would be the first guy to beat him up and knock him out,? Khan would further elaborate.
Upon reading the news an infuriated Bradley would began chiding Khan via Twitter and the two men began firing verbal bombs at one another.
?Amir Khan said he would knock me out,? Bradley apparently said via Twitter. ?Bring it on baby I will fight you next! If you?re a man face me next and not [Juan Manuel] Marquez.?
?Your turn will come,? Khan fired back. ?Just get in the que. I want to face a better bunch of opponents first.?
From there the two men would take several salvos at one another, with Khan claiming that Bradley was simply looking for a pay day while Bradley claimed that he had fought a quality list of opponents such as Lamont Peterson, Kendall Holt, and Nate Campbell that would make him worthy of such demands. Bradley also insinuated that Khan was avoiding interim champion Marcos Maidana while Khan claimed Bradley always overpriced himself at the negotiating table.
While the conversation certainly made for great banter it was later revealed that it was in fact an imposter at the helms of the Bradley account and that none of those specific words actually came from the 26-year old champion. Suspicious of the action taking place, Bradley?s good friend Andre Berto, the current WBC welterweight champion, gave his friend a call and found out the truth.
?Got off the phone wit my boy Tim Bradley confirming his Twitter,? Berto tweeted himself. ?He said he doesn’t have one. So @TimDesertStorm is not really him people?
Upon hearing the news Khan lightened up on his stance and told his fans that he didn’t mean to sound so big-headed and that it all made for a good laugh. Khan is currently in Las Vegas for this weekend?s Marquez-Juan Diaz pay per view attraction and has been spending his time in the city interacting with fans, sightseeing, shopping, and handling business with Golden Boy Promotions.
But after reading Khan?s verbal challenges on Twitter the real Timothy Bradley has come out swinging, stating that Khan has been avoiding the real challenges in the division and that he has been going after light punchers Malignaggi, Marquez, and Diaz because his ?chin is suspect?.
?He?s soft,? Bradley would continue of Khan. ?He?s softer than baby s***. He?s got a voice. He can tell them who he wants to fight. You say you the best then come fight. Let?s do it. Amir has a December date. Let?s get it poppin.?
A lot of developments crammed in between 24 or so hours. Bradley?s promoter Gary Shaw has apparently reached to Golden Boy in an effort to make a Bradley-Khan bout and is waiting to hear back. Don?t hold your breath, however, as the 23-year old Khan will likely deal with a few former champions or mild contenders before truly stepping up his game.
For images of Amir Khan dropping $5,500 on a jacket, chilling in his suite at the Bellagio, and making his presence felt in Las Vegas please click on the slideshow below?
