Thursday 20 November 2014 23:11, UK
Paulie Malignaggi is backing Amir Khan to get past Devon Alexander - but fears he will miss out on Floyd Mayweather again.
The New Yorker believes the Brit will win his bout with Alexander on December 13, which should've set up a lucrative crack at the world's pound-for-pound No 1.
But in the last couple of weeks rumours have been circulating that Manny Pacquiao, who fights Chris Algieri this weekend, and Mayweather will finally get it on.
Malignaggi believes that long-awaited fight could well happen but admits that if it does Khan, who lost out to Marcos Maidana in the race to face Mayweather earlier this year, will miss out again.
It would be unfortunate for Amir for two years in a row he's almost got a shot at Mayweather and he wouldn't get it again because if they can make a Pacquiao fight, everyone has to take a back seat in the Floyd Mayweather sweepstakes
"I have heard some rumours as well," he told Ringside about the possibly of Mayweather-Pacquiao.
"The fight is good for boxing but it's a shame if Amir [Khan] doesn't get the shot if he comes through Devon Alexander.
"It would be unfortunate for Amir. For two years in a row he's almost got a shot at Mayweather and he wouldn't get it again because if they can make a Pacquiao fight, everyone has to take a back seat in the Floyd Mayweather sweepstakes."
Malignaggi, who was beaten by Khan in 2010, believes the Bolton fighter will be too good for Alexander.
Khan will defend his WBC Silver welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and should look good, according to his former victim.
"Alexander is not an easy opponent," said Malignaggi.
"He has been in with the best in the world. He's done very well down the years and he has some fast hands but Amir has faster hands.
"I think he also has fast legs and the ability to control that ring, move in and iout, will make the difference in that fight."
