Image: Source

Amir Khan’s fantastic 2011, pushing him towards American super-stardom (nearly there) won him the Boxer of the Year award at the British Boxing awards.

Khan won three fights since December 2010 – A Unanimous decision over Marcos Maidana, a fighter who always produces fun to watch slug-fests. Four months later he fough Paul McCloskey, winning controversially after a sixth round stoppage, with McCloskey badly bleeding after accidental headbutts. Khan was leading on all scorecards when the fight was stopped.

In July, it was his biggest win on American soil, beating Zab Judah to unify Light Welterweight belts, getting the IBF to go along with his WBA, via fifth round knockout. Judah cried WOLF, WOLF, after the fight.

Khan now heads into Washington to fight Lamont Peterson, hoping to close 2011 in a way that will put him in prime position to make a name for himself in the Welterweight division. He’s eyeing Floyd Mayweather Jr. Thing is, if Manny Pacquiao actually decided to have his fourth Marquez fight, the May 5 date actually becomes available for Khan to make his dream come true. On the other hand, Khan did say he’d prefer to have a tune-up Welterweight fight before taking on the most difficult challenge in front of him.

Other candidates –  Heavyweight Tyson Fury, who’s won five fights since December 2010, three via knockout. The 23 year old with a 17-0 record might get a shot against the Klitschko brothers, knowing how thin the division is. He’s not ready probably.

Super Middleweight George Groves, winning three fights in 2011, improving to 14-0.

Lightweight Ricky Burns (33-2), winning four fights since December, including Michael Katsidis after 12 rounds for an interim world title. Super Middleweight Carl Froch goes up against Andre Ward in the final of the Super Six World Boxing Classic, with an opportunity to unify belts.