Amir Khan always aims for big name fights and another is set to take place this coming Apr. 20 at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Bolton fighter takes on WBO Welterweight champion Terence Crawford, a high-risk fight that will pay him less money.
Khan had the choice to go up against Kell Brook, a fight that would have paid him bigger money. However, the British pug opted to face Crawford instead - calling it a legacy fight that would help him elevate his boxing career, Boxing Scene said.
In all, Khan is taking quite a huge risk against the 31-year-old Crawford where he would need to be careful. The 32-year-old Khan has gotten his share of knockouts in the past, most notably that stinging haymaker he got from Canelo Alvarez back in May 2016.
Khan is coming off a two-fight winning streak. He won over Phil Lo Greco and Samuel Vargas in his last bouts although the latter left a lot to be desired. Khan did get floored in that fight and was lucky to come out with a unanimous decision victory. Regardless, Khan seems unfazed and believes he has what it takes to go up against the dangerous Crawford.
This early, it comes to no surprise that Khan is a perennial underdog, Forbes said. One thing going for him is his hand speed against the reigning champion. However, he needs to be on his toes against Crawford, someone who studies his opponents in the ring and strikes at the opportune time. In short, it all depends on how well Khan is able to cover up and avoid the power-packed punches of Crawford.
“Crawford has had these fights that are walks in the park, where he’s beaten guys quite comfortably and not gotten into a messy fight. I’ve been quite the opposite. I’ve been in that place where it’s been a hard, rough fight. I don’t think he has," said Khan.
Khan's confidence is textbook and the Bolton fighter has often made brash statements even if the odds are stacked against him. But Crawford is someone he cannot take for granted seeing how the American can easily unleash his fury and cause serious damage.
It will be a chess match between the two fighters come Apr. 20. Khan, whether he admits it or not, has his work cut out for him. He believes that with a new trainer, everything has changed. All that should be put to the test when they face each other in the ring.
