"I want Katsidis or Maidana next," claims Khan

Amir Khan, currently relaxing after retaining his WBA light-welterweight crown against Paulie Malignaggi, has revealed on social networking site Twitter that he would like to fight either Michael Katsidis or Marcos Maidana next.

"Next fight I would want (is) Maidana or Katsidis, I've left it with (Khan's promoter) Golden Boy. I'm chilling last thing in my head in this moment of time," wrote Khan.

Khan's post (made yesterday) would appear to contradict claims made by Katsidis' trainer Brendon Smith on Friday that Khan-Katsidis is unlikely to happen. Katsidis recently destroyed Dagenham's Kevin Mitchell to retain his WBO interim lightweight crown but would presumably have to step up to light-welterweight to take on Khan.

"There was an opportunity for the two to fight in Amir's US debut, but it was turned down by Freddie Roach [Khan's trainer] and instead Paulie Malignaggi was chosen," said Smith in an exclusive interview with the BBC.

"I've spoken to Richard Schaefer [CEO of Golden Boy, Khan's promoters] who likes the idea and would like to do a fight with Katsidis and Khan," continued Smith.

"There is no better fight in England than Amir Khan versus Michael Katsidis. Can Michael get the hat-trick? Yes he can. Can the fight be made? I don't think so," the Australian trainer added.

Of course, Khan's handlers also negotiated a way for Amir to side-step his dangerous WBA mandatory challenger Marcos Maidana in preference for taking on the feather-fisted Malignaggi in his stateside debut. Maidana recently pulled out of his scheduled July 17 clash with WBO light-welterweight champion Timothy Bradley citing an apparent back injury.

Khan's impressive performance against Malignaggi may be sufficient to persuade Roach and Golden Boy that the time is now right to unleash the Bolton star on the world's best 10st fighters. Despite his perceived vulnerability, Khan always gives the impression of being willing to compete against anyone.

Khan's other options could include reigning WBC and IBF king Devon Alexander, the aforementioned Bradley or the talented but vulnerable Victor Ortiz.