LAS VEGAS: Amir Khan put his name in the mix for a possible fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr., using his speed and accurate right hand on Saturday night to win a lopsided 12-round decision over former champion Devon Alexander in a welterweight matchup.

The 28-year-old Amir consistently beat Alexander to the punch, jabbing his way to victory in the non-title fight on all three judges’ scorecards, 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110.

The British fighter didn’t knock down Alexander and never seemed to really hurt him, but was impressive enough to solidify his spot in the line-up for a possible fight next year with Mayweather.

“I think it was one of my best performances,” said Amir, who looked unscathed except for a welt under his left eye. “I am the best boxer with the quickest hands in the world. I am getting better.

“I didn’t call Floyd Mayweather out with total confidence before, but now I feel I proved to everyone I deserve that fight.”

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya said it is a fight he would love to make, if Mayweather and Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao can’t come to terms for a bout next year.

Mayweather said on Friday he wanted to fight Pacquiao, but immediately put conditions on negotiations for what would be the “richest fight in boxing history”.

“He almost had a perfect fight with a southpaw, which is very complicated,” De La Hoya said. “He has proven himself over and over again. You can see the determination in Amir’s eyes that he wants Mayweather.”

Published in Dawn December 15th , 2014