Is Amir Avoiding A Repeat Of Potential Disaster?

Amir Khan (30-3, 19KOs), has yet to decide on an opponent for his upcoming ring return.  Khan did make an announcement of a fight with Chris Algieri via his wife’s youtube channel last week, but has since been quoted in the media as saying that the fight is not official. “I made the video on YouTube because we thought the fight with Chris Algieri was a done deal, but I have been speaking with my team and there are some more options on the table”, Khan told The Sweet Science.  With no opponent set, social media platforms have been lit ablaze as boxing fans are beginning to turn their head sideways at the former two time world champion.  Not far removed from an emphatic and dominant performance against former champion Devon Alexander, Khan was under the impression that he was next in line to face either Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao.  Though his speed and style have been very impressive as of late and he seems to be picking up steam on many a fan’s pound for pound rankings, many still feel Khan needs an electric performance against a dangerous opponent to warrant demand of a shot at the throne.  Chris Algieri (20-1, 8KOs), a former undefeated world kickboxing champion, provides a live and talented, yet raw opponent that was thrust into the limelight almost overnight with an absolutely audacious effort against the feared Ruslan Provodnikov before being derailed by Manny Pacquiao.  The problem with this seems to be that Algieri lacks the boxing resume and momentum to merit a fight against the likes of Khan.  Khan has also been addressing Miguel Cotto as a possible fight, but many believe he is merely using Cotto’s name as a positioning tool to keep certain fighters from seeking a fight with him.

..Enter Kell Brook, Keith Thurman, Adrien Broner, and Timothy Bradley.

Kell Brook (34-0, 23KOs), is fresh off of a landmark IBF title defense that saw him retire “Jo Jo” Dan on his stool after 4.  The fellow Brit has been long after Amir Khan to share a ring with him on their home turf without any luck.  Even going as far as mentioning certain weaknesses he sees in Amir’s chin area.  Having a world title, an undefeated record, and the same nationality as Khan, one would say this one is a no brainer, right?  Only time will tell if we in fact get this fight off the books within 12 months as we’ve been promised.

Keith Thurman (25-0, 21KOs), certainly presents the amount of danger and skills that fans would like to see face off against the sharp hand speed of Khan.  Thurman is fresh off of a competitive outing in which he tamed a game Robert Guerrero (32-3-1, 18KOs).  People have quickly started becoming acquainted with Keith “One Time” Thurman and many would like to see him opposite of Mayweather or Pacquiao as well.

Adrien Broner (30-1, 22KOs), has had his fair share of verbal jabs for Amir Khan in recent memory but it is not yet known if either is serious about facing eachother.  Many people think a win against Broner would be an easy way to get Floyd in the ring a la Maidana, but beating him will be a task in and of itself.  “The Problem” may be viewed as overrated to some, but he has an exceptional set of skills that make him tough to figure out.

And finally, we have Timothy Bradley (31-1-1, 12KOs).  Bradley has the resume, exposure and pedigree that would make him a viable candidate for a fight against Khan.  Khan claims that a Bradley fight has not been mentioned to him, and by the looks of it he isn’t overly excited by the prospect of it anymore.

One thing is for certain.  Khan has no shortage of opponents for a meaningful and entertaining fight.  One of the main obstacles for Khan will be lining someone up without interfering with his religious observance of Ramadan starting June 17^th.  With suggested dates of June 13^th and even June 6^th out of the question we will find out soon enough who it will be for that late May date.  Khan is by all means a supremely talented fighter that provides entertainment in every one of his fights, no matter the outcome.  You have to wonder, after going 0-2 in his last 2 world title fights he may be looking to be as careful as possible in order not to destroy any shot of that lottery ticket dance with Mayweather or Pacquiao.

Let us know who you think Amir should fight next and why?