Khan 5/4 to have title unification clash with Bradley next
Published:Amir Khan is now setting his sights on a title unification bout with Timothy Bradley following the controversial defence of his WBA light welterweight title against Paul McCloskey.
Khan picked up a points win over the previously unbeaten McCloskey after a clash of heads in the sixth round caused referee Luis Pabon to end the fight prematurely because of a cut to the eye of the Irishman.
McCloskey’s camp are now chasing a rematch after the manner of the defeat, although it was declared that Khan had outscored his opponent in all of the six rounds.
It is 6/1 in the boxing betting that Khan’s next fight is with McCloskey, although the champion has his eyes set on the bigger picture, which involves a showdown with WBC and WBO light-welterweight title holder Bradley.
Bradley is unbeaten in 27 professional fights and beat Devon Alexander via technical decision in his last fight in January.
Khan’s odds are 5/4 to face Bradley next and this appears to be the encounter that all parties are targeting.
The Bolton boxer said: “There are levels in boxing and Bradley is the same level as me. We’re in the world-class level.
“Bradley is a good fighter but that’s just going to push me and motivate me. I’m happy to see what happens with the next fight. We’ve talked of unification fights and that’s my ambition.”
The other likely next fight for Khan is against new WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz, who stated his claims for a future fight by winning the title from Andre Berto on the same night as Khan’s encounter with McCloskey.
The boxing odds are 3/1 that Khan steps in the ring with Ortiz next, with Floyd Mayweather 14/1 in this market.
A £30 stake on Khan fighting Ortiz next would return £90. New customers can sign up here for a free £30 bet.
