Legendary Aussie trainer Johnny Lewis says that Gairy St Clair is as good as anyone he has ever worked with before. Veteran Lewis helped guide greats like Kostya Tszyu and Jeff Fenech to world titles, and has worked with a host of other leading Australia-based fighters. Along with experienced Angelo Hyder, he will be in St Clair’s corner on Saturday night when he challenges Amir Khan for the Commonwealth lightweight title at London’s ExCel Arena.
” Gairy is right up there with the best,” said Lewis of the 32-year-old former world champion. “I have got a great rapport with him, and I love training him.
” He’s a trainer’s dream. He is respectful to everybody, very professional, he knows boxing from A-Z, and that’s what Amir Khan is up against on Saturday night.
” Gairy has also sparred with the likes of Kostya Tsyzu and Zab Judah, and if he hasn’t sparred with them then he’s fought them.
” Gairy brings a lot of things to the table. Everything has been good in training camp, and I can tell you he’s really enjoyed making the lightweight limit because it was a struggle to get to super-featherweight. I think he’s going to surprise a few people.”
Lewis’ last trip to the UK was with Kostya Tyszu in 2005, and on that night the IBF light-welterweight champion lost to Ricky Hatton at the MEN Arena.
But Lewis is backing St Clair to get some revenge.
” I’ve been to the UK a few times and had mixed fortunes, so I reckon I’m due a change of luck,” said Lewis. “Amir Khan is a good kid and when he finally packs it in I’m sure he’ll be one of the best fighters this country has ever produced, but this is a fight we think we can win.”
With the fight set to go on in front of a packed ExCel Arena, and millions watching live on ITV1, Lewis promised that the real winners would be the fans on Saturday night.
” St Clair comes to fight, and I don’t think anyone will be leaving disappointed on Saturday,” he added.
A quality packed fight also sees Michael Jennings defend his WBU World Welterweight title against Ross Minter.
St Clair Wants To Blow Out Khan
Hardman Gairy St Clair has vowed to celebrate his 33rd birthday on Saturday with a devastating KO of Amir Khan. The Australia-based Guyanan will challenge British boxings golden boy Khan for the Commonwealth lightweight crown at London’s ExCel Arena, and is intent on creating a major upset. He performed a brief media work out at the Peacock Gym in the East End today, not wanting to give away too much but has promised to blow-out Khan’s flame..
” I’ve seen a few of Amir’s fights, and he likes sticking his chin out,” said St Clair, who says he won’t acknowledge his birthday until after the fight.
” I hope he does that against me because it will be the perfect birthday present. I’ll clock him one so quick he’ll be on the floor before he knows it.
” I’m planning on blowing out his candles inside a few rounds. For me, defeat isn’t an option.”
St Clair, a former IBF world champion who has never been stopped or dropped in 46 fights, will also be able to call on the experience of Johnny Lewis, one of worlds greatest trainers.
Lewis helped guide Kostya Tsyzu to the world light-welterweight title, and the status as one of the best P4P fighters in the world.
He has also worked with other Australian greats – and St Clair says his knowledge could prove vital.
” Lewis is like a father to me and the best I’ve ever worked with,” said St Clair, who also has fast-talking Angelo Hyder in his corner.
” He knows that I have the tools to beat Khan. We’ve already been working on a few things that I believe will prove decisive in the fight. I didn’t want to reveal too much today in front of the press, but I’m in the form of my life. Khan won’t know what’s hit him on Saturday night.”
Sajid Mahmood Backs Khan To Give Aussies A Thumping
Amir Khan has vowed to avenge England’s Ashes hammering when he fights Gairy St Clair – at the request of cricketing cousin Sajid Mahmood. The fast bowler star was part of the England set-up thrashed 5-0 by the Aussies last winter. And he has urged Khan to get some revenge when he defends his Commonwealth lightweight title against New South Wales-based challenger St Clair on February 2 at the Excel London..
“Saj was devastated by what happened last year, and as a huge cricket fan, I was pretty down in the dumps as well and I know he wants me to give the Aussie’s payback,” said Khan.
“But fighting St Clair gives me the chance to fly the flag for England once again.
“I know Gairy was born in Guyana, but he’s lived in Australia for a few years – and his handlers, especially his mouthy trainer Angelo Hyder, are Aussie through and through.
“In general, British sport is seen as a bit of a laughing stock down under but not boxing, and I’m sure there are plenty of Australians who think that all St Clair has to do to win is turn up.
“But I’m going to show everyone that I’m one Brit who knows how to win, and win in style.
“St Clair is a former world champion, so when I beat him I’ll be well on the way to winning a world title this year.
“I’ve already got a high ranking with the WBO, and a good performance next Saturday should see me climb the ratings of the other governing bodies.”
Tickets for the ‘The Wrath of Khan’ are available from See Tickets on 0870 060 3794.