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Khan using Mayweather as motivation for Alexander

The 27 year-old has been chasing a crack at world number one Floyd Mayweather Jr. since his April 2013 victory over Julio Diaz and only narrowly missed out to Marcos Maidana to be the most recent opponent for the ‘Money’ man.

Khan knows that he can afford no slip-ups when facing former two-weight world title holder Alexander at boxing’s capital in what will be the Bolton man’s 33rd pro bout – with the Olympic silver medallist expecting a mental battle with his experienced US rival.

“I look at this as a make or break fight for me,” said Khan. “I am focused 100 percent on this fight. Mayweather is motivation for me, makes me work harder, but my main goal is to get past this fight. If I win this fight it will take me onto bigger and better things. This is a statement fight for me and if I beat Alexander, then I believe I have secured my position in a super fight, but it’s all about winning this fight and looking good.

“My last fight (against Luis Collazo) helped me because he was a southpaw and Devon Alexander is also a southpaw. I can take the experience I had in the last fight into this fight and hopefully we will get the job done. Devon is a very good and skilled fighter like myself. It’s going to be a game of chess to find out who is the bigger and more skillful fighter.

“This fight’s been brewing for a long time, a lot of people want to see this fight. We’ve had this fight in the works for a couple years now, but now it’s time. It’s a fight that the fans are going to love. You’ve got two fighting styles, two young fighters that are hungry and also two fighters that are at the peak of their career.

“Virgil (Hunter, Khan’s trainer) has taught me to spend more time in the gym, which I’ve been doing the last two years to become a better fighter. Going into this fight I’m going to be a different fighter.

“I feel like my style, with speed, power, hand and foot movement, would give someone like Floyd Mayweather problems. Floyd’s a great fighter, but first we have to look good and shine against Alexander and then I think the fight with Floyd will be secured,” he added.

Mayweather, 35, usually announces opponents in January or February for his spring bout, meaning a triumph for Khan puts him in pole position to be opposite the undefeated pound for pound king come May 2 next year.

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