By Liam Santiago: Freddie Roach, trainer of Amir Khan (20-1, 15ko’s), has said that he would like to see Khan fight Erik Morales (48-6, 34ko’s) if he beats Kotelnik this month. This idea brings us back to when the Barrera fight was announced. Many similarities, only Morales is a step down in class from Barrera, having lost five of his last six fights.
Take nothing away from the Mexican warrior, he’s a legend, in his day he was untouchable. However, them days are long gone and Roach knows it. Pacquiao has fought Morales three times, since 2005, so the Khan camp would have a very good idea how to handle the legend.
Roach spoke to boxing news on his plans for Khan, ‘im looking at maybe Erik Morales, when he makes his comeback. That is who I’d like to go against next, or guys of that nature. I have the new “Mexican Assassin” in Amir.’
Khan is used to his fair share of critics and even the thought of this fight happening is likely to bring many to the surface. Maybe it wouldn’t be such an easy fight for Amir. Maybe Morales still has something left. What we do know is that this is a lose – lose situation for Khan. If he wins he will have beaten a ‘shot’ old fighter and if he loses he will have lost to a ‘shot’ old fighter. The big question is, what does Morales have left? Possibly nothing at all. Khan would be likely to smother him with his speed and movement and take a points victory. Personally, I don’t want to see this fight happen. As has been said it’s a lose-lose situation for Khan. Surely a rematch with Barrera would have more appeal. I just don’t see any good coming from this fight for Khan whatever the result.
This would also rule out a super fight with British legend Ricky Hatton. Hatton has been strongly linked to fight Khan after the Kotelnik fight, if he wins. Now this fight does seem worthwhile. Ricky has lost to the two best pound for pound fighters on the planet, and arguably the best over the last decade. Many boxing critics claim Ricky is ‘shot’, surely losing to these two fighter does not mean his career is over. Only a few years ago those same critics claimed Juan Marquez was ‘shot’. Does he look shot now? The point i’m making is a fight with Amir Khan would not just be one last payday for Hatton, it would be a tough, competitive fight. Would you rather see Khan fight Morales or Hatton? Not only would a Hatton fight have a lot more meaning to it, it would also appeal to millions of fans, weather they follow boxing or not. Hatton is yet to make a decision on his future ; although he has been in training which is a good sign.
Maybe Roach believes Khan isn’t ready for Hatton yet. Maybe he believes that Khan would struggle to hold Hatton off and deal with his pressure. What is for sure is if the Khan camp were positive he could beat Hatton, they would jump at the chance because Khan is unlikely to get a payday as big as he would here in any other fight.
Obviously other options are out there for Khan. There’s Marquez, Campbell, Bradley and nobody’s forgetting Briedis Prescott. Also British lightweight John Murray regularly throws his name into the mix, hoping of a dream payday from the Bolton star. Murray is unlikely to trouble Khan now he’s under Roach and in all fairness, if Murray is still fighting British ranked 7th fighters and losing his belts due to unprofessionalism, he does not deserve a fight with Khan.
However, for now Khan must concentrate only on Kotelnik. It won’t be easy. Kotelnik is a tough, fierce boxer who never quits. He beat Maidana who recently knocked-out Golden-boy’s prospect Victor Ortiz. Also, he has never been knocked down in his career. Although Khans speed and movement will probably prove too much for the Ukranian, no-one knows what will happen. Khan will look to take Kotelnik’s jab away with his speed. Kotelnik will, no doubt, have other ideas.
Please comment on who you would like to see Khan fight next, if he beats Kotelnik.
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