By Jamie Parker: A rejuvenated Amir Khan (19-1, 15 KOs) claimed the vacant WBA International Lightweight Championship after a 2nd round stoppage over Oisin Fagan (22-6, 13 KOs) at London’s ExCel Arena.
Khan got his professional career back on track, fighting for the first time since his shock 54-second knockout defeat to Breidis Prescott.
The Bolton lightweight, had been sparring with Pacquiao at trainer Freddie Roach’s gym in preparation, whilst the Filipino sent Oscar De La Hoya into likely retirement after a commanding victory at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, later on the same night.
Khan had a big point to prove following his first loss in the summer and drew great strength from Pacquiao, who was KO’d twice early in his career.
Frank Warren, Khan’s promoter, believes Khan still has what it takes to make it to the top and says he will draw inspiration from Pacquiao, he told Sky Sports.
“Manny has been an inspiration for Amir. “Manny was stopped twice earlier in his career and now he’s the pound-for-pound the best in the world.
“It shows how you can come back from adversity. Amir has the mindset of a winner and he will be a winner.
“He won an Olympic silver medal at 17 and six moths later beat the world’s best amateur in Mario Kindelan.
“Amir’s a quality fighter. Beating Fagan was good for him. His focus impressed me.
“Good comes out of bad and that’s the way to look at the Prescott defeat. Amir’s full of it and is enjoying it so much but we need to take each fight as it comes.
“Amir wanted to fight as soon as possible for a world title, but you have to go to school before you go to work and that’s what he’s doing now.”
Khan put down Fagan twice in the opening round and the punishment continued with Fagan failing to cope with the power and the bout was stopped after one minute and twenty seven seconds of the 2nd round.
Throughout the fight Khan kept his hands close to his chin and found Fagan freely with his jab. He landed punches at will and a strong right floored Fagan.
It was visible to all that Khan’s defense has improved most significantly since his last fight; maybe this is the influence of trainer Roach.
At the end of the bout, Khan admitted he wanted a re-match fight with Prescott, although I believe that this would be too soon for Amir and he should take on a top boxer on the domestic front.
If Khan is successful in the re-match against Prescott then he his dream talk about fighting Ricky Hatton could be a realistic opportunity.
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