Frank Warren column: It would be very unfair if Amir Khan's career is tainted by Islamophobia - some think he has a chance against Mayweather

In his exclusive column for i, Warren writes that other than Manny Pacquiao, Khan is the biggest fight out there for the unbeaten American

Amir Khan is hopeful of setting up a bout with Floyd Mayweather next year (Getty)

The word from America is that the current anti-Islamic backlash because of the ghastly atrocities that are happening in the Middle East threatens Amir Khan’s prospects of a mega fight against Floyd Mayweather Jnr next.

I know at least one major promoter who thinks Khan, as a Muslim, would be too risky a sell to the US public in the circumstances. Personally, I doubt this is the case, though it has to be a worry, especially as he is due to fight again there in December.

It would be very unfair if Amir’s career is tainted by Islamophobia. He has never worn his religion on his sleeve, unlike another former British world champion, Naseem Hamed, who even had a chanting mullah leading his ring walk at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas when he fought Marco Antonio Barrera back in 2001.

The atmosphere then was pretty hostile so imagine what it would be like now.

Actually, Khan is quite popular over there and has always strongly condemned Islamic extremism, as has Muhammad Ali.

Some think Khan would have a reasonable chance against Mayweather as his hand speed is the one thing that the ageing American would have difficulty in countering. One thing for sure – other than Manny Pacquiao, it’s the biggest fight out there for the Money Man.

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