By Kazim Sharif: Before the eagerly awaited and one of the hottest showdowns within the light welterweight division, news from various credible sources are indicating that Amir Khan (26-2, 18 KO’s) has been reinstated as the WBA champion as he heads into his fight this Saturday night against WBC light welterweight champion Danny Garcia (23-0, 14 KO’s). We were all made aware that Lamont Peterson was stripped but three days before the WBA decided to reinstate Khan. This now adds a twist and a whole new dimension to the fight. Khan walks in to the fight with extra motivation knowing he has got back his title he held for so long. Not only that but the ring magazine have these two as the number 1 and 2 in the division respectively and have also put the ring magazine belt on the line. We will now see 3 genuine titles on the line.
Khan said to the telegraph.co.uk “I’m glad the WBA are reinstating me, it means I walk in the fight as world champion, there is a chance to win the WBC belt not only that but the ring magazine belt is on the line, we will see who is really the best in the 140 division”..
Will the IBF now follow suit and reinstate Khan as well? Either way the fight all of a sudden holds so much more weight. As mentioned by many, this is a must win fight for Khan and will surely assign him as the undisputed light welterweight king. The same can be said for Garcia, unbeaten with a decent KO rate, he can also propel himself into the elite with a victory over Khan and some exciting dust ups in the future.
All I know is this is going to be a great spectacle with two fighters in their prime. Expect fireworks, my prediction is Khan wins on points. Let’s wait and see what unfolds in the coming days.