Amir Khan believes Timothy Bradley's concern for his career compelled him to spurn a unification fight.
Khan will defend his WBA light-welterweight title against Zab Judah, the IBF champion, at Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Center on July 23. The 24-year-old had hoped to fight WBC and WBO champion Bradley, only for the American to reject the opportunity despite being presented with a favourable offer.
"Bradley was given the best deal any opponent of mine could be getting," said Khan.
"I offered him 50% of the UK revenue, which is unheard of, but that's how much I wanted the unification fight. He turned that down so we turned the page over and took on Zab Judah for a 45-55 split, even though I think Zab was worth 60-40.
"I would have preferred Bradley to take the number one spot and to win his two titles. Maybe that fight could happen in the future, but the same deal will not be on the table.
"He chickened out because he knew he was going to get beaten. And if he got beaten by me, his career would be finished. He doesn't draw big crowds, so his two titles are his saviour. If I win them off him, he'll be back on the small shows. Even his world title fights are small shows. He's scared of getting beaten."
Sky Sports rejected the chance to screen the Judah fight, which will be broadcast on Primetime, in a decision that baffles Khan.
"We talked to Sky and they didn't want the Bradley or Judah fights. We were willing to bring Bradley to the UK too," said Khan.
"We don't have answers as to why they're not interested. I'll just have to win fights and prove them wrong.
"Hopefully they'll come knocking on my door. I've got some big fights coming up - I want to be, pound for pound, the best in the world. I don't know if it's me or if they don't enjoy my boxing. I think I have the most exciting skills in the country."
Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/lates...running-scared-115875-23191814/#ixzz1P5g3mZOX
Go Camping for 95p! Vouchers collectable in the Daily and Sunday Mirror until 11th August . Click here for more information
Khan will defend his WBA light-welterweight title against Zab Judah, the IBF champion, at Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Center on July 23. The 24-year-old had hoped to fight WBC and WBO champion Bradley, only for the American to reject the opportunity despite being presented with a favourable offer.
"Bradley was given the best deal any opponent of mine could be getting," said Khan.
"I offered him 50% of the UK revenue, which is unheard of, but that's how much I wanted the unification fight. He turned that down so we turned the page over and took on Zab Judah for a 45-55 split, even though I think Zab was worth 60-40.
"I would have preferred Bradley to take the number one spot and to win his two titles. Maybe that fight could happen in the future, but the same deal will not be on the table.
"He chickened out because he knew he was going to get beaten. And if he got beaten by me, his career would be finished. He doesn't draw big crowds, so his two titles are his saviour. If I win them off him, he'll be back on the small shows. Even his world title fights are small shows. He's scared of getting beaten."
Sky Sports rejected the chance to screen the Judah fight, which will be broadcast on Primetime, in a decision that baffles Khan.
"We talked to Sky and they didn't want the Bradley or Judah fights. We were willing to bring Bradley to the UK too," said Khan.
"We don't have answers as to why they're not interested. I'll just have to win fights and prove them wrong.
"Hopefully they'll come knocking on my door. I've got some big fights coming up - I want to be, pound for pound, the best in the world. I don't know if it's me or if they don't enjoy my boxing. I think I have the most exciting skills in the country."
Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/lates...running-scared-115875-23191814/#ixzz1P5g3mZOX
Go Camping for 95p! Vouchers collectable in the Daily and Sunday Mirror until 11th August . Click here for more information
