Khan, 29, has ruled out a return to the ring until the spring after initially targeting January, meaning his position as the mandatory challenger to Garcia remains static.
In the meantime, Garcia has signed on to fight Samuel Vargas next month, and upon claiming an expected victory, has agreed to face Thurman in principle around the same time Khan embarks on his comeback from losing to Canelo Alvarez.
Despite being in a position where he could force the WBC to put a decision out to the board on giving him an immediate chance in March or April, Khan has stated his intention not to get in the way and will await whoever emerges with the belts later in 2017.
“There was talk about fighting Danny Garcia until he took the Samuel Vargas fight and it also looks like he’s going for Thurman now and it’s a big payday for them. But I’m talking with Al Haymon on that one and we’ll just see what happens with it,” Khan exclusively told World Boxing News.
“Garcia would have been paid well if he fought me but I’m in a difficult situation because I’m chasing a fight and he’s already got a big fight lined up against Thurman.
“I can’t step in front of that because it’s a massive fight between Garcia and Thurman with two world titles on the line.
“I think I’ll get my chance, maybe against the winner, so I’m just waiting on that – really,” he added.
Hand surgery will see Khan out of action for up to a year once he finally laces up the gloves again, whilst the Bolton man intends to get straight back in at the top against a big name fighter.
A massive UK fight with Kell Brook could potentially be on the cards if both sides can come to an amicable agreement, setting up the potential for a three-belt battle with Garcia or Thurman in the future.
