Promoter Bob Arum has guaranteed Amir Khan at least $5 million to challenge one of Top Rank Inc.’s two franchise fighters that night in New York.
Terence Crawford (34-0, 25 KOs) is arguably the best boxer, pound-for-pound, in the sport and thus is regularly listed as a 16-1 favorite over Khan (33-4, 20 KOs).
Khan thinks Crawford agreed to fight him at least in part due to what the 31-year-old saw from him against Samuel Vargas
“One thing I want to say is there is a lot of talk about Crawford with [Errol] Spence, who just came off a fight. All of those people should be talking about Spence against me.” Khan said.
“I’m not just a number. I know when I have to turn it on, I can turn it on. Maybe in previous fights, I won the fight, but maybe I didn’t look the best.
“But I know I belong at the level above. I am one of those fighters that if I am fighting a guy that is supposed to be at the top of his game, that will bring me to the top of my game and bring the best out of me.
“If Crawford is talking about maybe that [Spence] fight happening and overlooking me, it’s going to be a big shock. I’m going to be ready.
“We’ve both been hurt in fights. I am a fully-fledged welterweight. This division is hard, and I’ve had good knockouts. I’m an unbeaten welterweight fighter and it is the weight I feel comfortable at, and the weight where I feel stronger as well, and the speed and the perfect size.” Khan added.
Terence Crawford beats Jeff Horn by TKO to capture WBO welterweight boxing title. (Source:www.piodeportes.com)
Khan will face Crawford for the unbeaten three-division champion’s WBO welterweight title April 20 at Madison Square Garden.
After knocking out Jeff Horn to claim the WBO strap last June, Crawford dominated Jose Benavidez in a successful first defence in October and will undoubtedly start as a heavy favourite against Khan.
“I’ll be looking to go out there to seek and destroy. I’m excited about this fight because I believe it can push my career to another level.” Crawford said.
