Boxing Betting / Alex Steedman / 11 April 2011 /

Saturday's bout may not be the big fight some hoped Amir Khan would take on. But Alex Steedman believes that it could stand the Bolton fastball in good stead for bigger challenges.

It may not be the fight boxing fans wanted or even the match up any of us expected but Amir Khan against Paul McCloskey for the WBA light welterweight title ought to be lively on what promises to be a noisy, entertaining night in Manchester.

Having overcome rough, tough Marcos Maidana in December's roller coaster, Khan mentioned Timothy Bradley, Victor Ortiz, even Floyd Mayweather, but I don't think anyone in Team Khan seriously considered the possibility of a fight with the European champion. A step backwards in public consciousness this might be but it's a homecoming fight for Amir Khan, important for his profile as well as for fight fans, and it has all the allure of risk and reward.

As a [1.15] favourite, there is no doubt that Khan is expected to win and win well. Already there is talk of a unification clash with the aforementioned WBC and WBO champion Bradley in July. Khan is seven years younger with the advantages in height, reach and most significantly of all, speed. The latter has always been his key weapon and it may decide the fight.

There has been talk of Khan's increasingly 'Hollywood' lifestyle, including supposed liaisons with Katie Price while former conditioning hero Alex Ariza has been binned and replaced by Michael Vale. Recipe for an upset some will think but Khan will be in shape and there should be no excuses.

The underdog at [7.4], McCloskey certainly deserves this chance having quickly navigated his way as British then European champion but at the age of 31, it will be his only shot. Those who say this is a mismatch might turn out to be right in the end but I don't think that's necessarily fair. McCloskey is unbeaten in six years as a pro and has stopped each of his last five opponents since he stepped up to title level. More importantly, he has the style to pose Khan a few problems.

Paul McCloskey isn't just a southpaw he's even more awkward than that. If you had to compare, you'd say he fights a bit like Naseem Hamed with hands often held low and punches thrown from unusual angles. His reflexes are good (which is just as well with Khan in the other corner) and he is comfortable playing counter-puncher which is how the fight is likely to develop. If anyone has the style to trouble Khan I think it is McCloskey but there is a serious doubt as to whether he is genuinely good enough.

Punters will remember that Colin Lynes put McCloskey on his backside early in 2008 and how he was sucked into an unnecessarily scrappy fight against Guiseppe Lauri last summer. Hardly best in the world stuff if the truth be told but his one punch, right-hook finisher that last night was and I wouldn't be surprised to see McCloskey confirm himself worthy of the stage.

McCloskey is fighting to win, although ironically that has the potential to be his downfall. He might be in range too often and we saw with the first round left hook to Maidana's rib cage in December that Khan is developing power all the time. Fancied at [1.46] to win by KO/TKO/DQ, it may be that Khan is simply too good for McCloskey.

I feel the desire to swim against the tide here; images of the challenger landing dangerous uppercuts flicker through my mind. The prospect of McCloskey enjoying dramatic moments while losing an entertaining 12 round affair is most plausible for me. Khan to win by DEC/TD at [4.5] is mildly appealing in that regard.

The most likely outcome is that Khan wins, perhaps convincingly, by mid-to-late stoppage. The Bolton boy is coming home and it should be fun watching him in action once again.

Steedo's Recommended Bets

Khan to win by decision/technical decision 1pt (0-10)

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: