Amir Khan fight shunned by Floyd Mayweather as Champ opts for Andre Berto match instead

Amir KhanReuters

For Amir Khan, life goes on. He has once again been shunned by Floyd Mayweather Jr. who opted to face a less heralded boxer in Andre Berto.

Khan was the frontrunner as Mayweather's acclaimed last opponent but the undefeated American boxer has decided to take the easier route to reach 49-0 against Berto.

Though Berto has not been exactly in the limelight of boxing, he could pull off a surprise. But in order for that to happen, Berto has to be fully prepared and find a way to solve the Mayweather defense which fighters have so far failed to do.

The last one to try was of course Manny Pacquiao in May and everyone knows even the eight-time division champ failed to do so.

Of course, there was no guarantee that Khan could do the same, though of the boxers available to choose from, Khan was the leading candidate.

Khan was eased out of the equation when the Mayweather camp took exception on the British southpaw's constant criticism on the unbeaten American despite being told to stay quiet.

But of course, many felt otherwise and Mayweather's choice of opponent has been drawing constant criticism.

"I'm disappointed not to have got the fight for what is the third time after having been one of the frontrunners," Khan said. "However, there are many big fights out there for me and I'm going to continue working hard to establish myself at the top of the welterweight division.

As it stands, Khan bids his former stablemate luck against Mayweather. Though he doesn't carry the credentials that would have helped backed him up, the thing is Berto is a tough fighter (according to Khan).

Hopefully, he would be tough enough to give the fans who plan to watch the fight something worthwhile.

The pressure is of course on Mayweather to pull through and at this point many feel that Floyd Jr. will breeze through. Either that or fans could be treated to what could be boxing's greatest upset.

Of the two of course, the former seems more likely though you never know.