Khan He Do It? Kotelnik-Khan Preview
Published July 16, 2009 by Boxing Capital
Amir Khan’s moment of destiny arrives this Saturday (18th July 2009) when he takes on WBA Light Welterweight Champion Andreas Kotelnik at the MEN Arena in Manchester.
Khan’s star has fallen dramatically since he first burst onto the scene by winning a Silver Medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004 – at just seventeen years of age, Khan was the apple of the British public’s eye.
But some average professional performances followed by an emphatic 1st round knockout defeat to Breidis Prescott just nine months ago saw Khan plummet to the depths of despair – his world title aspirations were dashed.
But, since that one sided pummelling, Khan has rebuilt with two victories – an easy stoppage against Oisin Fagan and an impressive 5th round win over Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera – but the jury is still out. Having been floored several times before Prescott knocked Khan out cold, the boxing public are now convinced that Khan has a glass jaw.
But Khan’s lack of punch resistance makes this fight very interesting. Whilst Kotelnik may not be the biggest puncher – just 13 inside the distance victories in 31 wins – the fact Khan is stepping up to Light Welterweight (10st/140lbs) and taking on a world class opponent means one thing; Khan cannot risk getting hit by the physically stronger champion.
Kotelnik is not the most glamorous of champions but he has undoubted talent, proved by the fact he also won an Olympic Silver Medal (in Sydney 2000). Kotelnik has made two successful defences of the title he won by stopping tough Welshman Gavin Rees in March 2008.
But whilst Kotelnik does things well, there is no ‘wow’ factor; to me, he’s a solid, somewhat awkward, technical boxer. Khan is the man with the real talent, particularly in the area of hand speed.
I see this fight being tough for Khan with it taking him two or three rounds to get to grips with the style of the Ukrainian Champion. Thereafter, I see Khan boxing smartly by moving in and out of range as well as combining attacks to both the head and body, to always stay one step ahead.
It wouldn’t shock me if Khan was floored. A scenario where Khan is leading on points but floored late seems quite feasible to me, as the younger challenger could wane in the heat of a 12 round battle.
But, whatever Khan hits the canvas or not, I expect him to be on his feet at the final bell and ready to take a close but unanimous point victory and fulfil his dream of becoming a world champion.
BOXING CAPITAL TIP – Amir Khan to Win on Points @ 13/8 (Skybet)
There are currently 2 comments on this article.
Added: Saturday, 18 July 2009
listen guys khan can, once you decide to step between the ropes,its no joke! No matter how strong you are if you get hit right you stay hit! but the best come back with knowledge,and therefore from my experience KHAN WIN BY EARLY STOPPAGE. Bobbijoe.."step in da groove n move" check me later.
—bobbijoe edwards
Added: Saturday, 18 July 2009
Sorry ...KHAN will get battered like he did against Prescott ! R.I.P. Amir Khan x
—Steve Hughes