Photo Credit: Tom Hogan
England’s former unified light-welterweight world champion, Amir “King” Khan joined us on TSL Sports Talk ahead of his matchup this weekend against former two-division world champion Devon Alexander. When asked about Alexander on Wednesday’s Media Day, Khan (who is currently on a three-fight win streak) said, “The stakes are so enormous. I am not looking ahead. There is no way I’m taking him lightly. He’s not a champion any more so I expect him to be even more motivated.” Check out some highlights below from his interview on TSL Sports Talk with boxing journalist, Rhett Butler.
On why this fight was good for him:
It’s really a new division now. It’s a 1.7 division… It’s a step up now. So basically, I need the likes of Devon Alexander or Robert Guerrero or someone like that. I wanted a big name so I can make a big statement. If I beat someone like Devon Alexander in good fashion and good style, I’ll definitely pass into one of the top five fighters in the world and I’ll definitely be in the number one position to fight the likes of Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao.
On how close he thinks he can realistically get to fighting Mayweather:
I want to put on a performance for the media and fans around the world demand that fight. I don’t even want to call anyone out after this fight, but with my performance –showing how I’m going to win in style on Saturday night— I want to let the rest of the world to demand that fight and hopefully get it.
The undercard features power-punching interim WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (23-0, 21 KOs) who defends his belt against consensus top-five ranked contender and fellow unbeaten Leonard Bundu (31-0-2, 11 KOs). After successfully defending his title against Julio Diaz earlier this year, Thurman said, “I’m really looking forward to this fight and getting back into the ring after eight months. This is a good opportunity for me… I am so anxious to get back in there; it’s another chance for me to showcase my skills. If I knock out Bundu inside four rounds, I’d fight Khan the same night.” Check out some highlights from his interview on TSL Sports Talk with boxing journalist, Rhett Butler.
If he feels he is growing more towards his goals:
Definitely. I just turned 26 and we’re moving up in ranks and getting the recognition that we deserve. The fans are dying to see me fight someone in the top 10 and I am too… I’m satisfied with this fight being the co-main event. We are coming off of an eight-month layoff and we’re just going to ahead and enjoy ourselves Saturday night, shake off this dust, put on another one time terrific performance for the world and get ready for 2015.
On who he thinks will win between Khan vs. Thurman:
They both have skills and talent. They’re both 140 pounders that moved up to the welter-weight division… A lot of people are leaning towards Amir Khan. I think Devon has the potential to win, but he has to bring his A-game and he has to stay focused and not get broken down mentally.
Listen to the full interviews above to hear more about what each fighter has to say about their career and upcoming matchups this weekend.
Watch the fights on Saturday, Dec. 13, live on SHOWTIME at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT, from The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
TSL Sports Talk broadcasts live, every Thursday, 3-5PM. Follow us on twitter: @TSLSportsTalk or write us at: [email protected].
