Wednesday 5 August 2015 15:06, UK
Anthony Joshua insists Amir Khan does not necessarily need a fight with Floyd Mayweather after the unbeaten American opted to face Andre Berto on September 12.
Mayweather announced on social media that he will take on Berto, who has lost three of his last six bouts, in his 49th fight in Las Vegas.
This surprise choice of opponent, roundly criticised by fight experts and fans, means Khan has again failed in his long-term pursuit of the sport’s biggest star.
Heavyweight Joshua refused to question Mayweather’s decision to face the Haitian, instead urging Khan to turn his attention to a British battle with Kell Brook.
“No, I think that Amir Khan has got great opportunities - with or without Mayweather. I think he’s got the likes of Kell Brook,” he told Sky Sports News HQ
“Mayweather has fought everyone, anyone who has called him out. He’s competed with the best, he just fought Pacquiao and I think the great thing about Andre Berto is that he’s hungry.
“I know it might not be the best match-up on paper, but on the night you never know. Styles clash and it could become one of the all-time great fights if Berto prepares himself well.
“I think it should be a great fight, it’s great way to end his career and Amir Khan can go on to look forward to fighting Kell Brook and others in the division.”
The big-punching 25-year-old is currently preparing for his Commonwealth title clash against Gary Cornish at The 02 in London on September 12, live on Sky Sports.
Joshua, who has stopped all of his 13 opponents, hopes to deliver another explosive performance against the Scotsman.
“I’ve been having some really, really tough sparring and my body is holding up well,” he said. “I’m becoming more confident as time goes on.
“I’m learning and things I’m doing in the gym, I’m taking into sparring. My coach is happy and he’s working me extra hard.
“It’s more of a mental game now. I’m looking forward to competing with Gary Cornish, he’s 6ft 8in and I’ll be able to land some hooks and counter punches and hopefully put on a dominant performance and become the Commonwealth champion.”
I’ve got a long way to go, but hopefully Klitschko or Wilder will give me an opportunity
Wladimir Klitschko remains the dominant figure of the division and will put his WBA , IBF and WBO titles on the line against Tyson Fury on October 12, while Deontay Wilder defends his WBC belt against an unnamed opponent later this month.
Joshua admits he still has work to do before he challenges one of the champions, but hopes to earn a title shot by the end of next year.
He said: “I’ve got a long way to go, but hopefully Klitschko or Deontay Wilder, the current heavyweight champions of the world, will give me an opportunity.
"I’ll definitely be ready, hopefully some time towards the end of 2016 or early 2017.”
