Amir Khan is "quietly confident" that he will be Floyd Mayweather's next opponent in the ring, according to Glenn McCrory.
Speculation is rife that the Bolton-born fighter is top of the queue for a clash with the undefeated 36-year-old, although neither party has signed a contract committing themselves to the bout.
Manny Pacquiao's 12-round demolition of Brandon Rios at the weekend has once again sparked reports that the Filipino could be next to fight Mayweather.
However, McCrory, who joined Khan in studio for Carl Froch's ninth-round stoppage victory over George Groves on Saturday, believes that the 26-year-old is first in line for a fight with the five-time world champion.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, McCrory said: "His victory on Saturday night inevitably brought up talk of a Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather fight, but I was sat next to Amir Khan for the Carl Froch-George Groves match and he seemed quietly confident that he was going to get Mayweather next.
"It's not official and he was keen to stress that no deal had been done, but I've got a feeling now that's the way things are headed.
"It could be that that's what Amir's put his career on hold for. He didn't take that fight with Devon Alexander and presumably the reason why he chose to miss out on that big pay day is because he thinks the possibility of Mayweather is pretty solid."
Khan has not fought since April, when he beat Mexico's Julio Diaz on points.