'This is a fight that could take me to a different level' Amir Khan EXCLUSIVE
AMIR KHAN has said that his fight with Terence Crawford in April will be the hardest fight of his career in the welterweight division.
Khan will take on pound-for-pound king Crawford in the United States in three months time.
Crawford is a world champion in three different weight classes, and currently holds the WBO welterweight title that Khan will be challenging for.
A fight, however, between Khan domestic rival Kell Brook was highly-anticipated and many fans feel aggrieved that the fight is not happening.
Khan has gone on record to say, though, that Crawford is a tougher fight for him, and that he has the chance to challenge for a world title.
The Bolton fighter spoke exclusively to Express sport and gave his thoughts on what to expect from his battle with Crawford.
“It’s not the hardest fight, obviously I fought Canelo [Alvarez], who was stronger and bigger physically,” Khan said.
“But in the 147-pound division it’s probably the hardest fight for me.
“In the 147-pound division, I’m unbeaten, it’s my natural weight, I’m happy making 147 and it’s my ideal weight.”
I want to be the best in the world
Khan has lost four fights throughout his career - to Alvarez, Breidis Prescott and American fighters Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia.
He’s since fallen out of world-title favour but two comeback fights against Phil Lo Greco and Samuel Vargas have put him right back into contention.
Khan believes that the fight can elevate him to levels he hasn’t been before, like being considered the best on the planet.
“Terence is up there as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. This is a fight that could take me to a different level, and I want to win this fight because I want to be the best in the world,” he said.
The Olympic silver-medalist also said that his bout with Crawford can’t be compared with his loss to Canelo.
“Against Canelo, maybe I was biting off more than I could chew,” Khan added.
“I took that fight because it was a massive opportunity for me, and I believe in myself as a fighter. This fight, I see that it’s more fair. We’re similar weights.
“We’ve had similar experience. In my opinion, I’ll be able to take his punching power. He’s also a quick and a skillful fighter, so there’s a lot of advantages for me in this fight.”