EXCLUSIVE: I'll be too fast for Floyd, insists Khan as he targets Las Vegas showdown

Amir Khan leaves Las Vegas singing Floyd Mayweather’s praises from the rooftop of the MGM Grand Garden but quietly convinced that he can put the best boxer in the world through a much harder night’s work than Robert Guerrero did here on Saturday.



Now second in line to challenge Mayweather as the Money machine ticks off the last five fights of his still-undefeated career, Khan says: ‘Floyd put in a magnificent performance. It was barely believable for any 36-year-old, let alone one who has been out of action for a year and in prison.



‘I’m full of admiration for him. It was a masterclass in the noble art of self-defence. It was the best he has boxed for two or three years. It was amazing to see him again as quick as he used to be at his best. Not only with his punches but on his feet.

Masterclass: Floyd Mayweather show his outstanding ability by consistently outboxing Robert Guerrero

‘But that doesn’t mean someone like myself can’t challenge him.’



Khan is not rash enough to predict the biggest ring upset of recent times when they share a ring, only that he believes he will have a fighting chance.



Before the sceptics rush to point out that he had problems defeating a mere mortal in the latest fight of his comeback from twice losing his world titles, Khan offers a word of explanation: ‘Speed.’



He explains: ‘None of Mayweather’s recent opponents have been able to match how fast he is. In that sense they were ideal for him. The only thing that can trouble him is genuine, explosive speed and that just happens to be my best asset.



‘I don’t believe he will be as comfortable against a really fast puncher like me. Floyd was absolutely brilliant but Guerrero made him look even better than he was. Guerrero is a good, tough fighter but Floyd made him look terrible.

Advantage: Amir Khan's speed and reach could be problematic for Mayweather

‘To be honest I don’t think it’s worth anyone without speed even getting in the ring with him, unless they’re just looking for the big payday.’



Khan knows there will be doubters but asks the fight fraternity to remember this: ‘Boxing is all about styles. Always has been, always will be. You look bad against an inferior boxer whose way of fighting is awkward for you. Then you can look great against a top boxer whose style is a pefect fit for you. I happen to believe that my style will give Floyd a lot more problems.’



Khan says that despite believing that prison has been beneficial to Mayweather.



Boxers are rarely their old selves when they emerge from incarceration but Khan says: ‘It looks as if jail has been good for Floyd. Like he’s had time to think and reflect on his life. Like it’s kept him out of the nightclubs and made him realise that’s the way to go during the last part of his career.



‘It’s nothing short of amazing that he looked better than ever this weekend. He didn’t look this good against Miguel Cotto in his last fight before going inside. He looked like he was slowing down and his legs were heavy.



Workrate: Khan's high intensity is also difficult to overcome

‘He got hit a lot and said it happened because he was giving his fans the excitement they want. He did the right thing bringing back his father as his trainer. Together they have re-built that great defence.



‘Perhaps there’s a lesson for me. My fights are always exciting because I exchange and get hit. Perhaps it’s time to think about avoiding punches and just win the fight even if it might be boring.



‘Not that there was anything boring about Floyd. I couldn’t believe some of the crowd booed and walked out. What he did in that ring was a beautiful work of art.



‘And it’s incredible to think that suddenly he looks more dangerous than ever.’



Vulnerable: But his punch resistance, as demonstrated against Julio Diaz, is questionable

Even so, Khan would relish a speed test against the greatest pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.

To confirm that opportunity he knows he must win his next fight, on December 7, whoever it is against. He can either try to regain his light-welterweight titles against the winner of a current unification-tournament in America, probably either Danny Garcia or Lamont Peterson who are the two men who took his belts.



Alternatively, he can move up immediately to the welterweight division ruled by Mayweather and challenge the winner of Devon Alexander’s upcoming defence of his IBF belt against England’s Lee Purdy.



Unless he suffers another setback, Khan would then be the ensuing opponent for Mayweather, next May following a likely September clash with Mexican prodigy Saul Canelo Alvarez.

Defensive genius: Mayweather's defense makes him the finest fighter in the world

Although there has been speculation about Mayweather travelling to England , Khan accepts that it will almost certainly take place at the MGM Grand: ‘For one thing here are timing problems with pay-per-view in America. Also this is where Floyd lives so this is his comfort zone.



‘It is easier to stay unbeaten if you play every game at home but he is the best boxer in the world so he can call the shots.’

