Duke McKenzie – who is a former world champion at three weights – believes that Amir Khan should have another five fights before he considers a world-title shot.

McKenzie watched on from ringside as Khan defeated Michael Gomez in five rounds on Saturday night and he thinks that the Bolton boxer needs to work on his defence before biting off more than he can chew. He said that despite being impressed with Khan’s character, he was ‘too easy to hit’.

I have to agree with Mr McKenzie. You would bet on Amir Khan having a long and successful career – so what is the rush? Impatience is something that occurs too often in boxing and Khan should only make the step up when he is 100% ready. If that means he needs a few more fights to touch up his defence, then so be it.

Khan himself is keen on winning a world title at the age of 21. However, his 22nd birthday is in December and this ‘target’ should be sacrificed for making sure that he wins the world title in the first place. After all, to be a World Champion at the age of 22 is something to be extremely proud of.

With consideration to possible opponents for Khan, McKenzie mentioned Jon Thaxton and John Murray. I’d say the latter is more likely. Thaxton was battered in going for the European title against Yuri Romanov and I remember thinking at the time – why would Khan fight this guy?

There has been much talk between the Thaxton and Khan camps over the last few months and I just get the feeling that if it was going to happen – it would have happened by now.

John Murray on the other hand, is unbeaten after 24 professional fights and will test Khan’s defences. Something that Duke McKenzie feels that he needs to majorly work on if he is to become a World Champion.

Written by Thomas Rooney - A Freelance Sports Journalist