Retired Mexican American boxer Oscar de la Hoya has said that Amir Khan will be the world's best pound-for-pound fighter within a year.

De La Hoya insists the Pakistani origin British boxer has all the ability to succeed Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr as the king of the ring when their reign finally ends.

"He's definitely up there in pound-for-pound terms. You can make that argument, absolutely," said the American, who won ten world titles at six different weights.

"Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are on top, but Amir Khan is right on their backs. With time, he can catch them. He's a young fighter and he's learning at a rapid pace. Over every single fight, we have seen him get better. He can become the best," he added.

But De La Hoya warned Khan is bound to be tested in his next defence against Lamont Peterson in Washington DC on Saturday, Mirror.co.uk reports.

Peterson drew with former WBC welterweight champ Victor Ortiz on the undercard of Khan's win over Marcos Maidana 12 months ago in Las Vegas and De La Hoya siad the American will take some stopping in front of his home fans.

"Lamont Peterson is a very dangerous fighter. He had that draw with Victor Ortiz a year ago and then he went on and won the eliminator for the IBF title. He took Timothy Bradley the distance in his only defeat and he's hungry," De La Hoya said.

"Lamont Peterson has fought the best and on December 10, Amir Khan will fight the best. We know Amir Khan is a great -champion and this is going to be a great fight," he added. (ANI)