Amir Khan likes to associate himself with the best fighters in the boxing world, calling out on big names such as unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Filipino boxing icon champion Manny Pacquiao to fight him in the squared circle. Some fans want Khan to fight Kell Brook, but the British fighter tells the latter to fight Keith Thurman as an alternative. According to Thurman, Khan doesn't want to fight him because the British fighter is scared of him.

Like Us on Facebook

In an interview with Robert Brown of On The Ropes Boxing, Thurman was asked if he thinks Khan was terrified of him because the Brit seemed to have called out every single fighter in the welterweight division apart from him. Thurman believes that Khan is a "scared fighter." He believes that Khan is troubled of the power and expertise that he can bring into the ring.

"Amir Khan is a very scared fighter, he fights with a scared mentality," the interim World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion said.

Thurman said that Khan's mentality can be seen when the British fighter steps in the ring. He said that Khan's reaction to incoming power jabs and punches is an indication that the former Olympic medalist is afraid of the fight. Thurman further stressed that there is a huge difference between being a smart fighter and a scared fighter.

On the topic of Khan as a possible opponent, Thurman sees the Briton as a great challenger, but he doesn't see him as a real welterweight. He said that Khan has no right fighting at 147 lbs. He said he is ready to take on the great fights in the welterweight division. Thurman said that he is ready to battle it out with anyone regardless if it is Khan, Shawn Porter, or even Mayweather.

The 26-year-old Florida native will return to the ring on July 11 in his title defence of WBA Regular welterweight title against former title holder Luis Collazo, who was defeated by Khan. The event will take place at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa. As per ESPN's Dan Rafael, the event will also feature the junior middleweight bout between Tony Harrison and Willie Nelson.

Tags Boxing News, keith thurman, Amir Khan, mayweather, Pacquiao