Boxing: Promoter tells Khan to be smart not brave

GOLDEN Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer has warned Amir Khan to rein in his warrior spirit and instead emulate the ring craft shown by Floyd Mayweather.

Schaefer yesterday announced a long-term deal that will see BoxNation screen two live GBP shows a month, including Mayweather’s 5 May superfight against Miguel Cotto.

Two weeks after that, all attention will turn to Khan’s potentially-explosive rematch against Lamont Peterson. The first fight saw Khan relieved of his WBA and IBF belts with referee Jo Cooper deducting him two points for pushing.

At times the 25-year-old from Bolton was happy to trade punches with the more rugged Peterson and Schaefer believes he would be better served by relying on skill over brawn. Schaefer said: “I don’t know how to say it more elegantly, but sometimes Amir’s balls are too big for his own good.

“Look at Mayweather – he’s a master tactician who knows how to use defensive and offensive skills and has been knocking people out recently.

“He knows what it takes to win and fights very smart.

“Amir has the skills, speed and power, but what he needs to work on are the ‘ring smarts’ and not get carried away.

“He’s still very young and he learnt a lot from the Peterson fight. We’ll see if he applies that on 19 May.”

If Khan dispatches Peterson and Mayweather disposes of Cotto, Schaefer believes the rivals could meet early next year.

However, he would like to see Khan step up a division and have one fight at welterweight before locking horns with Mayweather.