03.03.09 – by James Slater – Those fans that think 22-year-old and unreliably chinned Amir Khan can beat 35-year-old living legend Marco Antonio Barrera believe it will be the Olympian’s advantages in speed that will see him to victory in the intriguing March 14th crossroads bout. If the vastly younger, fresher and quicker man can stay out of harm’s way – or at least keep the chin Breidis Prescott shattered out of harm’s way – in the fight and pick up points and box, he can win, they claim..
Adding to Khan’s chances of picking up what will without a doubt be his biggest pro win to date is the current age of the Mexican and the fact that he has only recently made the move up to lightweight. Khan is both taller, may well be able to out-muscle Barrera on the inside and he’s always been able to punch hard. Indeed take away his dodgy chin, and Khan would be a big betting favourite to win against such a veteran, no matter how superb he was in his prime.
One man who thinks Khan will be the man getting his hand raised on March 14th in Manchester is none other than pound-for-pound king Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao. The Filipino superstar has been sparring with Khan at trainer Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in LA, and according to a news story on Sky Sports.com, even the P-4-P king was troubled at times in their earlier sessions by the 22-year-old’s blurring hand speed.
“Pac-Man” not only believes Khan will beat “The Baby Faced Assassin” on March 14th, he also thinks the British star is capable of defeating a number of top fighters at 135-pounds.
“I believe Amir Khan can be a world champion and not only beat Barrera but all the other good fighters in his weight division,” Manny said. “He can move fast, he’s a quick fighter – and he is a good fighter. It’s good to spar with Amir because he’s fast.”
There are sure to be a number of fans unwilling to go along with what Manny has said with regards to Khan beating “all the other good fighters in his weight division,” as there are currently many fine men operating at 135-pounds. Roach himself differs somewhat in his opinion of March 14th’s fight, the article says, as he feels Barrera will be able to work out how to cope with Khan’s speed advantages. Of course, he still feels Khan will do the business and emerge victorious.
What is certain is that a number of questions will be answered during the intriguing fight. Will Khan’s chin hold up to a Barrera left hook? How much does Marco have left? Have Team-Khan made a big mistake in taking this risky-looking match?
Not long to go now until we all find out.