Anti-Islamic Backlash Could Prevent Dream Match Between Amir Khan & Floyd Mayweather

News

Amir Khan’s dreams for a match against Floyd Mayweather might be derailed because of an anti-Islamic backlash following terrorist actions.

While it was initially reported that Mayweather also wanted to step in the ring with the former world light-welterweight champion, sources tell the Independent that they sense there is some hostility in promoting a Muslim boxer at the current time. This is despite the fact that Khan has publicly condemned the attacks made by those in the name of his faith.

“Any Muslim fighter would be a hard sell to TV audiences in such a high-profile fight, especially should the situation escalate,” says one leading promoter. “There is so much Islamophobia around here following the hostage killings that it might be considered too great a risk.”