Boxing Betting: Is it all over for naive Khan?

Boxing Betting / Paul Moon / 27 September 2008 / 1 Comments

Paul Moon saw the right hand coming over the top even if Amir Khan didn't. Now he fears for the Brit's future.

After the powerful Colombian Breidis Prescott humiliatingly knocked Amir Khan out in 54 seconds, the 10,000 strong crowd at the MEN Arena were stunned and the post-mortem is ongoing. Protracted recriminations abound but some fundamental mistakes and misconceptions must be acknowledged.

It is patently clear that this novice was not ready for the step up. Having watched most of his fights I am mystified as to why he is always leaving himself open. Everyone was aware that he was vulnerable to being hit by a right hand over the top of his low left. Surely Team Khan would have covered this precondition? I am not a boxing aficionado but it all seems extremely naïve to me.

At 5' 11" Prescott was the biggest fighter he had faced and the type you stay away from, so who decided that he should try to slug it out with a slugger? Did Khan get caught up in the excitement, did he not listen? Did he get caught cold as Frank Warren suggested? Of course not - temperature had nothing to do with it!

More worryingly Khan looks visibly stressed when being pressured. Boxers not noted for their big punching have knocked him down. French fighter Rachid Drilzane had never scored a knockout in his 13-fight career but he knocked Khan over. Light puncher Willie Limond did it again before Super Featherweight Michael Gomez, who was at the end of his career, sat him down in the second round. The signs were there!

Becoming world lightweight champion now seems light years away. Olympic glory does not automatically translate into professional boxing success. If it did then Audley Harrison would be a good boxer!

We should not throw the baby out with the bathwater however! Khan is very young and he has not become a bad boxer. He needs to start again - he has the time. Obviously he has to find a place to hide that fragile jaw but it has been done before.

The next 12 months should be about consolidation though I am not sure if 'take a shot, give a shot' Freddie Roach is the best trainer for him despite his impressive CV. This personable talent should get some more experience by picking the right fights with the right mix of fighters.

You would imagine lots of sparring with heavier guys and getting pressured in the process. Although he must win his come back fight it is imperative that it is meaningful and cathartic - there lies the challenge and the balance.

The effects, both mental and physical, of the knockout are yet to be determined. What has this done to him physiologically at this young age? His love of learning will help but it is imperative the trainer employed has a three-year plan. It will not happen of course because of Frank Warren and the next deal, box office receipts and the multi-million pound deal already signed with Sky.

Comments (1)

1. vr evans | 30 September 2008

   now that Amir khan has found his level in boxing at the momment, that you cannot beat every one all the time surjest avoid the best and fight the rest !
   ps enjojed the artickle