Mayweather confirms Maidana

Khan, 27, signed a contract in December that put him in line for a possible showdown with the WBC champion.

He admitted last week on Twitter that he did not think the fight would take place.

Promoters Golden Boy and Mayweather Promotions have now confirmed that the American, 37, will face Argentinian WBA champion Maidana instead.

"After weeks of speculation, including feedback from fans across an array of social media platforms, boxing's pound-for-pound superstar, pay-per-view king and WBC Welterweight World Champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather will face the dangerous, power-punching WBA Welterweight World Champion Marcos "El Chino" Maidana on Saturday, May 3," read the statement.

Mayweather (45-0) launched a social media campaign earlier this month asking fans to decide which of the two men he should take on in his next bout.

"Marcos Maidana's last performance immediately brought him to my attention," said Mayweather.

"He is an extremely skilled fighter who brings knockout danger to the ring. I think this is a great fight for me and he deserves the opportunity to see if he can do what 45 others have tried to do before him - beat me."

Maidana (35-3), lost to Khan in 2010, but claimed the WBA belt in December with a superb victory over the previously unbeaten Adrien Broner and he is confident he can dismantle another perfect record against Mayweather.

"I am extremely happy to be facing Floyd Mayweather because it will give me the opportunity to show the world that I am the best welterweight in the division," he said.

"I just handed a great defensive fighter his first loss and I plan to do the same to Mayweather. I don't care whether he's the best and undefeated."

The news is a blow to Khan who suffered a scare in his last fight against Julio Diaz in Sheffield last April.

Khan had been in line to face Devon Alexander for the IBF title on December 7 but suggested on Twitter on Friday that he had delayed that for the chance to take on Mayweather.

"No response from Mayweather or his team. Fights not happening. I should of taken the title fight last December against Alexander," he said.

"Very disrespected by his team. Wasted my time. Good luck to Maidana, against Mayweather."