Oscar de la Hoya likens Amir Khan's boxing skills to Muhammad Ali

Retired Mexican American boxer Oscar de la Hoya has likened two-time world champion boxer Amir Khan to heavyweight boxing legend Muhammad Ali, saying that the British boxer reminds him of the retired American legend.

De La Hoya has vowed to do all he can to land the Bolton fighter his dream shot at Floyd Mayweather Junior if he beats Devon Alexander on Saturday. He claimed that Khan's hand speed in flooring Luis Collazo in his last fight reminded him of Ali and said that the Briton has the talent to be one of the greats.

De La Hoya, who is Khan's promoter, said that when he saw Collazo fall down, he instantly thought about Ali against Sonny Liston, adding that it was real quick.

De La Hoya said that Khan is just right at the peak of his career, adding that he truly feels that Khan is just beginning and if he keeps winning, and getting into these big fights that are promised, he really does feel that the Briton could be one of the top fighters of all time.

De La Hoya said that Khan has the passion for the sport, he has the discipline, he has the work ethic, feet, power and leg movement, adding that he is a complete package.

De La Hoya is sceptical that Mayweather's much-hyped clash with Manny Pacquiao would ever happen and says Khan can put himself at the front of the queue to fight the world's pound-for-pound king by impressing against Alexander at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena.