Khan and Mitchell show interest in battle of Britain

WBA junior welterweight champion and undefeated WBO ranked lightweight Kevin Mitchell have both expressed interest in a fight according to BBC Sport.

Both fighters have fights on May 15th with Khan facing Paulie Malignaggi in New York whilst Mitchell takes on WBO interim lightweight champion Michael Katsidis in London and if both come through their bouts unscathed they see each other as potential opponents.

Khan, who left Frank Warren promotions to sign with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions claimed,

“I’d fancy it, but I don’t think they would – Mitchell is Frank Warren’s golden boy and I think they want to keep it that way, Frank wouldn’t want one of his fighters to get beat by a guy from a different camp,”

but Mitchell who has pursued a fight with Khan before retorted,

“I’d want it, but Amir wouldn’t – he’s been found out,”

before adding,

“Amir Khan knows the score – he’s a good boy and a nice boxer but I think everyone knows now in the boxing world what he’s about. He took Paulie Malignaggi instead of taking on his number one mandatory [Marcos Maidana], so I think the Americans know the score as well.

“It’s been proven, anyone who can half-punch, Khan’s vulnerable against and Maidana can proper punch, which is why they are keeping away from him.

“He’s got an easier opponent than me [on 15 May], definitely – a non-puncher, someone who doesn’t throw many, an old boy and someone who Ricky Hatton beat two years ago. I’m taking on a ferocious, come-forward puncher who’s as angry as they come.”

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