Amir Khan 'needs two or three fights' to get back to a level where he could fight Floyd Mayweather in 2013, according to Ricky Hatton.
The retired double-weight champion knows at first hand the capabilities which Mayweather possesses having lost to him in 2007 and he does not want Khan to get in the ring with him until he is back firing on all cylinders.
Khan recently lost his WBA and IBF light welterweight belts to Lamont Peterson in a controversial bout in Washington last month.
And Hatton feels the Bolton fighter would be better served focusing on his rematch with the American and then rebuild his reputation with several more bouts before contemplating a showdown with Mayweather or even training partner Manny Pacquiao.
The boxing world is waiting to see if Mayweather and Pacquiao will finally meet in the ring in May to determine who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world with Khan possibly awaiting for the victor.
Hatton told the Daily Star Sunday: "I think a Mayweather fight would be too soon for Amir. He is just coming off a defeat and does he really want to fight the number one fighter right now or later this year?
"I think Amir needs two or three fights to get himself re-established and get his confidence back. Then maybe he'll fight the winner of (Manny) Pacquiao and Mayweather next year.
"If Amir could put in a good performance against Peterson he will improve his position when he sits down at the negotiating table."