Errol Spence Jr announces intention to 'clean out' welterweight division

Errol Spence Jr says he wants to "clean out" the welterweight division ahead of his fight with Lamont Peterson in New York.

The unbeaten IBF champion takes on Peterson on Saturday, but admits he has his sights set on future bouts - which could impact on Amir Khan.

Spence Jr said: "There are so many guys in the welterweight division, I want to clean them all out.

"I'm not going to wait around for unification fights. I want to fight three times this year and I'll take on the best opponent who steps into the ring."

Spence Jr's statement could have consequences for several contenders in the welterweight division, including Khan.

The 31-year-old recently announced his intention to return to the ring as a welterweight and immediately set his sights on a title.

Khan said: "The division I am in is probably one of the best in the world - you've got the likes of Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Lamont Peterson, Errol Spence - you've got so many big names.

"I really believe I belong in that mix so I just can't wait to get in there and get my first fight out of the way.

"I'm very confident and I want to be sat here in 12 months' time as a world champion."

Spence Jr has already fought Kell Brook, stopping him in Sheffield in May to win the IBF belt.

To unify the division, Spence Jr would have to beat WBO champion Jeff Horn as well as WBA and WBC title holder Keith Thurman.