"We just fought a mandatory and I feel that we should be able to fight one fight before that. I do want Amir Khan to fight Paulie Malignaggi because I thought it was a good fight for Amir in New York to be welcomed to America in his first American fight. I have no problems fighting Maidana because I think Amir can outbox him. I know it's a dangerous, dangerous fight, but I have not suggested that he drops his belt and gives that up," stated world-class trainer Freddie Roach as he talked about the future plans of WBA jr. welterweight champion Amir Khan. Not too long ago, there was a rumor floating around that Roach advised Khan to vacate his title instead of facing mandatory challenger Marcos Maidana. However, the 2009 Trainer of the Year set the record straight during a recent appearance on the OnTheGrind Boxing Radio Show.
"Maidana, if we end up having to fight him right now, I think that's a shame because I think that's a fight that can be built up into a really, really big fight. I think if they put those guys on the same show a couple of times and have the winners fight each other," Roach would explain as he clarified previous comments he made that were taken out of context. According to Roach, neither fighter has garnered enough exposure with the American public and he believes the fight could be much bigger if both sides hold off for now on the intriguing matchup. "The thing is, in America, neither guy is really well-known. I mean, Amir's gotten a little bit of attention over here, but he still hasn't had his debut in America yet," he continued. "I was hoping to go in a different direction after we did just fight our mandatory against Salita. I was looking to Malignaggi next and then Maidana after that or Victor Ortiz or whoever it may be."
Whether or not Khan indeed vacates his title depends largely in part on whether or not the rumors are true regarding his change in promoters. According to Steve Kim of Maxboxing.com, Khan has dumped long-time promoter Frank Warren and has signed with Golden Boy Promotions. If true, it's doubtful that Golden Boy Promotions, who also co-promote Maidana with Universum, will be eager to stage a showdown between both fighters, meaning Maidana will probably be offered step-aside money to allow Khan to keep his title and move forward with another bout. In fact, sources say that Golden Boy Promotions has already had initial talks with promoter Lou DiBella about matching Khan up against Malignaggi. "He does not want to give that belt up. He's proud of that belt. He won and he wants to keep it," Roach would reiterate.
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