Floyd Mayweather and Amir Khan Scared of Kell Brook, Claims Eddie Hearn
Boxing promoter Barry Hearn believes Floyd Mayweather Jr. would avoid a "risky" fight with Kell Brook and that Amir Khan is "petrified" of facing the Sheffield-born brawler.
Brook is looking to improve his terrific 34-0 record during the second defence of his welterweight belt against Frankie Gavin on Saturday, with Khan taking on Chris Algieri the night before.
Many have called for the two UK-based fighters to meet each other in the ring. Both have their sights on a mega-money showdown against Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao, but Hearn believes Brook would stop Khan from attaining a battle against either of the greats, reported by Sky Sports:
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"Khan is petrified about him, because if Khan gets beat by a Mayweather or a Pacquiao, he can still fight Kell Brook in his mind. His value is going down, but if he fights Kell Brook first and gets beat, then that’s probably the end of Amir Khan—and frankly we are a huge odds-on favourite for that fight.
Obviously we want the fight, but I don't see Amir Khan taking it. I think he would rather fight light-welterweights like Chris Algieri and get a points win.
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Hearn, chairman of the Matchroom Sport company who promote Brook, believes "outside of Mayweather, he is without doubt the No. 2 and maybe the No. 1 welterweight in the world." As such, Hearn suggests Mayweather also won't fancy taking on Brook "because he's risky."
Although Hearn indicates a bout with Khan could take place in 2016, he says the Bolton-born fighter knows his limits and is actively trying to avoid a headline-grabbing encounter:
"We have offered him almost treble the money he's been making," said Hearn, per Sky Sports. "He doesn't want it and I don't blame him necessarily. I think Amir Khan knows his boxing, I think he knows his chin and he knows that Kell Brook is a huge animal at welterweight."
Khan previously suggested Brook "will have to wait" while he attempts to challenge Mayweather or Pacquiao, per Sky Sports. However, he intends on facing his countryman soon: "Kell Brook, if you want to take the fight, winner takes all, I'm up for it because I know I'll take everything because I'll beat you. So let's do it, man," said Khan.
Further comments from Khan on his desire to face Brook were posted by Sky Sports, per Audioboom:
An impressive 23 of Brook's 34 wins have came via knockout, reported by Boxrec. Special K is a fearless fighter, someone who is more than willing to back his power and exchange when necessary.
Two of Khan's three losses have come via KO/TKO—against Breidis Prescott in 2008 and Danny Garcia in 2012—fights which have stuck him with the "glass jaw" tag. Khan's speed and accuracy rank among his best weapons, but he'd need to effectively carry out a meticulous gameplan to escape a contest with Brook unscathed.
He certainly doesn't seem to be running from the potential bout, though. Hearn's comments may be intended to take Khan's focus off Algieri, or even to push him into a post-fight reaction if he beats the American.
Brook's stock is on the rise, and his undefeated professional career suggests he is on course to dominate once Mayweather and Pacquiao hang up their gloves. A win over Gavin isn't going to do much for his prospects of facing either, but slaying slaying Khan would no doubt push him to the forefront of potential contenders.
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