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Amir Khan doesn't believe Danny Garcia is truly ready for their July 14 fight, and the outspoken British star even sounds like he might be looking past the WBC junior welterweight titlist a bit, as he eyes a move to 147 pounds and a fight with a major name there later this year.
From the Daily Mail:
"My plan is to move up to 147 and face one of the big names up there. You've got Victor Ortiz, you've got Manny and Mayweather. There are super names there so I'll be in that mix and we'll sit down with Freddie Roach and see what route we're going to take with the big names."
... "Danny Garcia's a young fighter. He's only had 23 fights. He's unbeaten, he's strong, he's got power and he has speed. I think it's a bit early for him to be fighting me but him being a world champion, I think it'll be a good fight as he's never tasted defeat before. He's not coming into the fight just to make up the numbers, he's coming to win the fight."
Actually, Khan (26-2, 18 KO) seems like he can't quite make up his mind how to sell Garcia as an opponent here -- he compliments his power and speed, says he's strong and coming to win, but also says he's not really ready ... which is really a big deal. I mean, all of that other stuff doesn't matter that much if a guy isn't ready, right?
I'm actually not quick to think guys are overlooking any fight, but I really don't know how seriously Khan is taking this matchup. He's going to be a solid favorite over Garcia (23-0, 14 KO), who is unbeaten, but has also never fought anyone on Khan's level. Erik Morales was old, undersized, and out of shape in March, and beyond that his best wins are over washed-up Nate Campbell and Ashley Theophane, which was very close.
Personally, I don't think Garcia's going to have much success in this one, either. That is, if Khan has his head on straight and doesn't come out trying to make a big show of his own greatness, which I feel happened with his unimpressive but easy win over Paul McCloskey in 2011. He spent that entire fight looking for highlight reel material and all he wound up with was a forgettable win. A win's a win, but Khan, I think, looks best when he's not trying so hard to look great.