by Rick Reeno

MGM Grand, Las Vegas - Floyd Mayweather Jr. (42-0, 26KOs) admitted he was trying to run a ploy on IBF/WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan. For several weeks, the British superstar has been targeting a potential fight with Mayweather in 2012. In response, Mayweather advised Khan to "earn his shot" by facing unbeaten contender Jessie Vargas (17-0, 9KOs), who Mayweather promotes.

Mayweather, the WBC welterweight champion, had a good laugh when the subject of "Khan facing Vargas to get you in the ring" was approached. According to Mayweather, he was simply trying to get his rising boxer a shot at the title.

"I contradict myself sometimes [laughing]. I have to get my guy a shot. That's my guy. I have to get my guy a shot. It's so crazy. You think about a fighter like Amir Khan, I have nothing against him, but I'm bigger in his country than he is. Mayweather loves the UK," Mayweather said.