by James Slater – With various web sites reporting how the WBA have ordered a fight between their “real” 140-pound champion Amir Khan and their interim champ at the weight in Marcos Rene Maidana, it looks like 23-year-old Khan will either face the lethal puncher in his next fight or vacate the title. I don’t have any inside info regarding the way Khan’s mind works, but my hunch tells me the talented and proud fighter will not want to give up his title just like that.
Yes, some have suggested Khan will look for a bigger named, yet safer opponent to fight next, probably in America – Paulie Malignaggi, Zab Judah and even the faded-looking Jose Luis Castillo have been mentioned as potential opponents – but giving up a world title is no little thing. Khan was immensely proud when he took the WBA crown from Andriy Kotelnik back in the summer of last year, and he loves being a recognised world champ..
Also, Khan must realise how much criticism he will receive if he dodges the dangerous, once-beaten slugger from Argentina. Critics everywhere will says loudly that Khan, who was starched in one-round by Colombia’s Breidis Prescott, is scared to go in with a hard-hitter again. Would Khan be able to live with such a reputation?
Supposing, then, that the fight that will decide who is the main man at 140-pounds, at least according to the WBA, does go ahead, who will win? Obviously, it goes without saying how lethal Maidana can be with his fists, and in turn we all know how Khan’s chin is not the Bolton man’s best asset. But Khan has improved his defence a lot since hooking up with trainer extraordinaire Freddie Roach, and he is also the better boxer of the two 140-pounders.
Let’s not forget also, how 26-year-old Maidana was beaten, on points, by Kotelnik in his only loss as a pro – the split decision defeat coming in Feb. of last year. If he were able to box another disciplined fight, why wouldn’t Khan be capable of outboxing the man who is 27-1(26). Khan would really have to make sure he didn’t put a foot wrong, and he would really have to keep his chin out of harm’s way at all times, but it’s possible he could do it. And what about the younger and faster man’s own punching power? Maidana has been hurt and hurt badly before, and maybe Khan would also be able to drop him?
All in all, the idea of a Khan-Maidana fight appeals hugely to the average fan – and Maidana is positively aching for the fight. But does the fight appeal to Khan? Due to the WBA’s orders, we will soon find out!