Mayweather defeat to Cotto would hit Khan

If Miguel Cotto springs the surprise he is threatening on Saturday night, Amir Khan could be as big a loser as Floyd Mayweather.

Khan has been assured that if he wins his world title re-match with Lamont Peterson here in a fortnight he will be within touching distance of mega-fight with Money Mayweather.

If he gains revenge for that controversial defeat in Peterson's home city of Washington in spectacular fashion, that multi-million dollar pay-day could come as early as this autumn, after Mayweather finishes his three-month spell in prison.

But Cotto, the Puerto Rican hard man, will scupper a lot of expensively laid plans if he puts a shock end to Mayweather's perfect 42 win record.

That would kill any remaining possibility of a $200 million Fight of the Century between Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio – and Khan would be a victim, also.

Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Golden Boy promotions, says: 'Amir will be very much in line for a fight with Floyd so long as he comes through this tough battle with Peterson.

'At the moment we are looking for him to move up to welterweight for one fight before taking on Floyd. But if he looks sensational in regaining his light-welter title from Peterson he could go straight to Mayweather later this year.'

Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy president, adds: 'Amir looks almost ready for the really big fight.'

First, however, Mayweather must fulfil his end of the bargain.

Cotto is massively admired by his fellow professionals.

His only defeats in a stellar, multi-world title career of his own came against Antonio Margarito, whose gloves were 'loaded', and in a beating from Pacquaio, when he had to drain himself to make the agreed catch-weight.

But he looked rejuvenated recently when taking revenge against Margarito in a fair fight.

Mayweather has come up to the full light-middleweight poundage to fight for Cotto's WBA world title, thus accepting a physical disadvantage which gives hope to the thousands of Latin American fans who will throng the sold-out MGM Grand Garden arena.

The outside chance of an upset is also predicted to draw a huge pay-per-view audience on the HBO network here.

Mayweather reassures his followers: 'Cotto will be no more able to get at me than any of my opponents.

'He has good movement but I will be sharper and quicker and keep him where I want him.'

That said he jumped to his feet and demonstrated the foot-work and punching angles he will use in the ring tonight.

Then he added: 'Cotto is a very good fighter. I will beat him but that will not make him a bad fighter.'

Khan will not be alone in hoping he is right but this assignment is likely to take time.

At Friday night’s weigh-in, watched by a crowd of 8,000, Mayweather scaled 151lb while Cotto was right on the 154lb limit.

I expect Mayweather to pick off the aggressive Cotto with his usual accuracy, then dominate as the fight goes on and get ready to go jail with his cherished unbeaten record extended by a late stoppage or points victory.