Amir Khan might not get his dream bout against Floyd Mayweather as indicated in a recent boxing news 2014 update, while promoter Eddie Hearn said that the former world champion should just face Kell Brook.
An unnamed boxing promoter told Independent UK that Khan might be snubbed by Mayweather again with sources saying that the Briton's Islamic ties would hurt his chances because of the recent terrorism atrocities in the United States.
"Any Muslim fighter would be a hard sell to TV audiences in such a high-profile fight, especially should the situation escalate," the promoter said in the boxing news 2014 update. "There is so much Islamophobia around here following the hostage killings that it might be considered too great a risk."
Khan, who is still in the US after watching Mayweather's win against Marcos Maidana last week, admitted that he had problems with Immigration officers before because of being a Muslim.
The Bolton, England native said that he underwent extensive security checks during his previous visits in the US.
Four months ago, Khan took to Twitter to express his disgust after he was forced to stay in a holding room for two hours, calling Immigration officials "arrogant and unprofessional" - an incident that was confirmed by his promoter, Asif Vali.
"His name is Khan; he is a Muslim; between visits to the United States, he visits Pakistan; and goes to another Muslim country, Egypt, on holiday. All these things are taken into account by US Homeland Security," Vali said.
Meanwhile, Matchroom Sport promoter Eddie Hearn said in a boxing news 2014 update that Khan should stop going after Mayweather and decide to face International Boxing Federation welterweight champion Kell Brook instead of waiting for nothing.
Hearn is convinced that the Mayweather-Khan fight will not happen next year, which makes him believe that a showdown with Brook will be the best option for the 27-year-old, saying that Khan will make more money from the All-Briton showdown.
"I don't think that's going to happen," Hearn said of Mayweather vs. Khan fight. "I wouldn't necessarily begrudge him for taking that over Brook. I still think he makes more money out of the Brook fight, but it's the Mayweather fight - it's understandable. But I think Kell is close to being in the hat for that fight. He's world champion."
