When I first heard about a possible match up between Amir Khan and Marco Antonio Barrera I thought it seemed like a crazy match up, and a huge jump up in class for Amir Khan. Khan had only had one fight since his shocking defeat to Breidis Prescott, and although he now looked much better and more rounded under new trainer Freddie Roach, it seemed like too much too soon. However, the more I thought about it, the more I liked it.
Barrera is a legend in the ring, but he is not the same fighter he was many years ago. If Khan was ever to fight Barrera, now would be the time to do it while he is still dangerous, as a win against him in a few years could easily be dismissed or discredited as Barrera being too old. Additionally, Khan is training in the same camp as Manny Pacquiao, a fighter approaching his peak who has twice beaten Barrera and would certainly be able to provide him with some good advice. A win against Barrera would also help propell Khan onto the world stage.
On the night of the fight I was still undecided as to how the fight would go. I thought Khan definitely had the potential to win, but he would need full concentration to avoid getting into any battles with Barrera and getting his chin tested again. When the fight began, Khan started well but it was clear that Barrera, although conservative in his movements, had veteran experience that could lead to Khan’s undoing. I was on the edge of my seat, when what at first appeared to be a flurry of punches resulted in blood streaming down Barrera’s face in the opening round! The turned out to be a very bad clash of heads, resulting in a three-four inch cut on the top of Barrera’s head.
I thought the fight would be stopped at this point, but the referree allowed it to continue for five rounds. During this time, Khan put in a blistering performance and in my opinion, won every round and would likely have got a knockout if the fight had continued. However, the cut on Barrera’s head was just awful and was often splurting blood, and would’ve affected Barrera’s performance, not just because of blood in the eyes but through the distraction of being cut so badly. Ultimately I thought it was a great display from Khan, and I’m so pleased he won the fight. I just can’t help but feel that it wasn’t a true test because of the cut happening so early in the fight. No doubt this win will lead to a number of opportunities for Khan to step up in class once again, so lets see what happens!
Author:
admin
Posted in: Boxing News
Tags: amir khan, barrera, Khan, Marco Antonio Barrera
