American Alexander is currently recovering from a hand injury picked up in his routine win over Khan’s compatriot Lee Purdy, which ruled him out of a fight with Floyd Mayweather in September.
The 26 year-old will now have one more step to climb before his fight with the pound for pound best can become a reality as newly-wed Khan steps up from light-welterweight for the high-profile encounter.
Khan, also 26, has won his last two after hitting the worst form of his career in losing to Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia, and will make his 147lb debut after months of speculation over the Briton’s next move.
‘Amir needs one fight at welterweight, along with a title, to set up the match with Floyd,” Schaefer told Powell.
“He is getting that chance against Devon, who has agreed the fight. We will be finalising and signing the contracts in the next couple of weeks.”
The ‘Mayweather eliminator’ could also be heading into Persian Gulfland after the Golden Boy CEO admitted that talks were at an early stage to take the high-profile fight to a venue in money-laden Dubai.
“We have opened discussions with the ruling family of the Emirates who have made it very clear that they are keen to put on a major boxing event. This is very exciting for Amir and all of us. If he defeats Devon, preferably in style, the next step for him would be against Floyd.”
Mayweather must first overcome dangerous Mexican Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in September at a catchweight of 152lbs, although fight fans can now look forward to two massive clashes later this year which will act as semi-finals for a huge Showtime bout in spring 2014.
