After indicating that he could have missed out on a blockbuster clash with pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather, Amir Khan has stated that he is keen to secure a "Plan B" opponent in the near future.
The former light-welterweight world champion has been out of action since last April, and after reportedly losing out to Marcos Maidana in the race to secure the lucrative bout in Las Vegas in May, Khan needs to get his career back on track during the spring.
Below, Sports Mole suggests five fighters who Khan could face in his next fight, should it be confirmed that he will not get the opportunity to test himself against Mayweather.
© Getty Images
After being dismantled by Maidana in Texas late in 2013, Adrien Broner soon made it known that he intended on exercising his rematch clause to avenge the first loss of his professional career.
It had been reported that they would meet for a second time in April, but after confirmation of the fight failed to arrive, Broner appears to be in as much limbo as Khan.
Khan wants Mayweather and Broner wants Maidana, but if their two targets opt to face each other on May 3, that could leave the door open for the Brit and the over-exuberant American to meet in what would represent a huge showdown for both men.
The idea of this match appearing on the undercard of Mayweather's next contest has been thrown out, but a match between Khan and Broner could be the logical step in each boxer's career.
© Getty Images
A potential bout between Khan and Kell Brook is one that has long been anticipated by British fans, but their contrasting career paths have resulted in a fight never coming close to fruition.
However, aside from the Mayweather bout, a clash with Brook could prove to be the most financially rewarding to Khan, and Brook's promoter Eddie Hearn has frequently stated that there is a seven-figure offer on the table for Khan should he choose to accept the match.
Khan still classes himself above the unbeaten Yorkshire combatant, but with Brook currently the mandatory challenger for Shawn Porter's IBF belt, the former Olympic silver medallist could be enticed into a huge domestic fight.
With the match between Carl Froch and George George appearing on pay-per-view on May 31, it's debatable whether it would be viable for the bout to take place before the winter, but it's one that shouldn't be dismissed by Khan if he wants to rebuild his career.
© Getty Images
Argentine fighter Lucas Matthysse has gained a reputation of being one of the biggest punchers on the planet with 32 of his 34 victories coming by way of knockout.
The 31-year-old suffered defeat in his last outing against Danny Garcia, but his stock in the sport hasn't taken a hit because of that 12-round loss.
Khan has previously spoken about having no issues with facing the South American, and although Matthysse has yet to move up to welterweight, he could be tempted if an offer is forthcoming from Golden Boy Promotions.
Matthysse, who currently holds the WBC intercontinental belt at 140lbs, would also move to the top of the organisation's rankings in the higher weight class with a win over Khan, meaning that a meeting between these two men wouldn't come as a huge surprise.
© Getty Images
British fighter Frankie Gavin has quietly gone about his business since turning professional in 2009, picking up 18 successive victories to move to the brink of a world title opportunity.
The Birmingham-born boxer is ranked in the top 10 with three of the four major organisations, and after his bout in March against an opponent yet to be named, he is expected to be given a more testing fight.
In theory, an encounter with Khan is unlikely to happen, but it's one that Gavin has previously stated that he would win, and if the terms were right for both men, there's no reason why a match couldn't happen in early summer.
Gavin isn't regarded as one of Great Britain's most exciting fighters, but a dust-up with Khan would give him a chance to display his talent on the world stage, with an encouraging performance potentially leading to big fights in the future.
© Getty Images
American Keith Thurman has blasted himself to 20 stoppage wins in 22 fights to move himself into contention for one of the major welterweight straps
It had been reported that the 25-year-old would face Shawn Porter for the IBF title in March, but both camps have indicated that the money isn't right for a bout to take place.
With Khan being unable to face Porter because of Brook's mandatory spot for that belt, that could leave Thurman available to step into a match with Khan that would represent a significant test for both fighters.
Thurman's knockout record would be an opportunity for Khan to eradicate the theory that he has a poor chin, while the Brit would be a step up from the American's previous opponents.
