That is the stark verdict of trainer Virgil Hunter, who reckons the Brit will need to eclipse Buster Douglas' stunning win over Mike Tyson 25 years ago if he wants to pick the pockets of the Moneyman.
Khan, 28, survived more than a few dodgy moments in the Big Apple as home favorite Chris Algieri came roaring out of the blocks to stun him in the very first round.
The native New Yorker fancied his chances and caused plenty of problems yet, while his punches rocked the two-time champ, the boy from Bolton's lightning-fast combinations ultimately sealed the deal.
Two judges scored it 117-111, while the other had it at 115-113 to hand Khan a unanimous points decision.
But it was not the kind of statement to get Floyd Mayweather shuddering ahead of a potential crunch clash in September.
And Hunter warned: "I have been honest, when it comes to Floyd Mayweather. He will have to be diligent and fight like a young pup does and fight over his head, like Buster Douglas did against Tyson - you need to take it to another level.
"His IQ will never match Floyd. The years of repetition of doing the same thing - his body and mind just know what to do.
"He has the attributes to take it to that level. If he can handle the pressure for a fight of that magnitude, I am confident he will give a good account of himself."
Khan called Mayweather out straight away and reckons the Moneyman would face the most serious test of his career.
A potential UK dust-up with Kell Brook, or another US date with the likes of knockout specialist Keith 'One Time' Thurman, are possibilities if Mayweather snubs him for a third time.
Khan is desperate for the big one though and said: "I have been chasing Floyd for a long time and it is hard to focus on who is front of you.
"I am happy I didn't take Algieri lightly. If I had done , the dream match against Floyd would have been gone.
"I will let my advisor Al Haymon decide what is next. I would love that fight and he has the style which will suit me. My team will be onto it.
"Where else is there for him to go?
"The last three fights are at 147 - that's what he wanted to see. He wanted me to prove myself at that weight.
"We have answered the questions. Pacquiao didn't show what he can do in that fight. He is technical and skillful but a style like that will suit me."
Khan received a brilliant reception from the New York punters yet was quick to praise Algieri.
The American was knocked down a whopping SIX times by Pacquiao in November but, with new trainer John David Jackson calling the shots, was impressive in taking the fight to the Bolton fighter.
Article Courtesy of Daily Star