The 26 year-old, who is rumoured to be facing the pound for pound king on May 3 of next year, was originally pencilled in to tackle Alexander for the IBF welterweight title this weekend, but says talks just fizzled out naturally between both camps.
“It’s not true that I cancelled the fight because I did not want to face him, but the negotiations between our teams did not end with an agreement,” Khan told Arabic media outlet The National.
“Devon decided to fight Shawn Porter instead (this weekend) and my team and I decided it’s best I don’t fight this year, but rather work on my training.
“I have been working very hard with Virgil Hunter, improving myself as a better fighter.”
Khan believes taking over a year out since his last fight with Julio Diaz in April at a 142lb catchweight will not necessarily be detrimental for a clash with Mayweather – if the mutli-million dollar pay-per-view bout is finalized in the coming weeks.
“I agree it may be a disadvantage for me to a certain point, and on paper, as I have not fought a fight at this weight,” he said. “I wanted to fight Devon Alexander this year. But I feel 147lbs or 154lbs is my natural weight.
“I have struggled to reach 140lbs and I should’ve moved to 147lbs a long time ago,” added Khan.
Mayweather is said to be close to naming his third opponent of a six-fight with Showtime, with reports that Manny Pacquiao could be a late surprise contender wide of the mark as Khan is expected to land the spring mega-fight.
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