Amir Khan picks Danny Garcia over Keith Thurman

Saturday’s big fight between WBA and WBC welterweight titleholders Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia has stirred up plenty of conversation in the boxing world, and while Thurman is the slight betting favorite, former Garcia opponent Amir Khan is going the other way.

Here’s what Khan had to say about the matchup:

“Danny is a very tough and underrated fighter even today, despite winning world titles. I think that his experience and boxing brain will see him beat Thurman. It’s a good matchup and it is a close one to call on paper.

“Garcia does go into fights as the underdog and finds a way to win. I think he’s fought the better names, whereas Thurman hasn’t really been in with many top fighters. If he stops Garcia I will hold my hands up and say well done because that would be very impressive.

“It will be a close fight on the cards but I believe Danny will edge it on points. He’s grown into the welterweight division and is a better boxer than he gets credit for,” he said.”

Khan (31-4, 19 KO) adds that he thinks he and Garcia (33-0, 19 KO) will cross paths again, which may be some wishful thinking influencing his call, or he may just genuinely feel that Garcia is better than Thurman (27-0, 22 KO).

For now, Khan is reportedly set to face Manny Pacquiao on May 19 in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

For more on Thurman-Garcia, check out our breakdown of the matchup and the undercard.