Amir Khan: "Floyd Mayweather is Afraid of Me"

Amir Khan on Bolton cuisine, listening to Drake and beating Floyd on Fight Night

You’re currently between fights – what are you up to right now?

At Gamescom in Germany promoting the new Destiny game. I’m really into games – they help me unwind at training camp.

How does Gamescom compare to the pre-fight hysteria of a major boxing match?

It’s really similar – the hype’s amazing. There’s so much enthusiasm from gamers.

Really?

Yeah. I’ve never seen a turnout as big as this for an event. Not even for a weigh-in before a fight.

Have you played against any other boxers over there?

Yeah. Anthony Joshua and Chris Eubank Jr. No punches were thrown, but my skill beat them. 

Were you playing Fight Night?

No, but I play Fight Night with my friends. I’m not on the game, but you can download me as a fighter. We play it at my house and I put one of my world-title belts on the line – whoever wins the tournament takes home the belt.

Who do you usually play as on the game?

Amir Khan. Against Floyd Mayweather.

In the real ring, Mayweather’s fighting the unfancied Andre Berto next. Were you surprised you didn’t get the call?

I think Mayweather knows that I’ll give him big problems and beat him. That’s why he’s avoiding me. It shows he’s afraid.

If you were to finally touch gloves, how would you beat Mayweather?

My speed, movement, accuracy and youth would beat him.

Gaming aside, what else do you do outside the ring?

I do a lot of go-karting. I’m good. I’m very competitive with anything. I also like films and music.

Is there one song you always listen to before a fight?

Yeah. That song by Drake, Started From The Bottom. Because it’s true to my career.

And your walk-in music as you head to the ring?

The Man by Aloe Blacc.

Are you a fan of boxing films?

Yeah, I love Rocky and Raging Bull. There’s a truth in those films as to what a career in fighting is like. Southpaw is next on the to-see list.

Who’d play Amir Khan in a film about Amir Khan?

Amir Khan. I’d like to play myself – it’d be much more natural.

Where would the story begin?

With my youth, the early days, then the Olympics. It’d be a great story.

When you’re training in California what do you miss most about home?

The food in Bolton.

How does Bolton’s cuisine compare to California’s?

Bolton beats anywhere. You’ve got great Indian places, great Italians and some nice steak places.

You used to train and spar with Manny Pacquiao. What’s he like in the ring?

He’s a great fighter. I can see myself fighting him in the future.

Were you surprised at how one-sided his fight was with Mayweather?

Yeah, I really was surprised. Manny got his tactics wrong for that fight.

What would you have done differently?

I’d have pushed Mayweather back more, thrown more combinations, and not let him settle.

When you started out in boxing, who did you look up to?

Muhammad Ali. He was a great fighter and a charity worker.

Ali was a great smack talker, too. What’s the best line of smack talk you’ve ever heard?

I’ve heard a lot directed at me – but then I win the fight. It gives me extra motivation to win.

You’re a massive Bolton Wanderers fan. Did you dream of playing for them as a youngster?

Yeah, but I could never kick a football straight, I had two left feet.

Who’s your all-time favourite Bolton player?

Kevin Davies – one of the best players in our history. He took the team to great heights.

Back to gaming – do you play as Bolton on Fifa?

Usually. Even though we’re not the best now. But I’m way better at Fight Night. When you know how to box, it makes it much easier. Sometimes my mates cheat to win and take home my world-title belt.

And who’s the current title holder?

Me!

Amir Khan was speaking at Gamescom ahead of the launch of Destiny: The Taken King, available on all major platforms from 15 September; destinythegame.com