By Harlan Davies: After Khan’s landslide, one-sided schooling of Andriy Kotelnik there seems to be an even bigger host of possible opponents for the young star in the talent-ridden light-welter division. There are many big fights that could and should happen but as we all know, not every plausible fight happens. Khan will be enticed to keep momentum with his securing of the WBA belt so who should Khan target next? This question remains an enigma but let’s examine the four main possibilities for the new champ.
Firstly, the Kingpin at 140 pounds seems to be Timothy Bradley (25 wins 12 ko’s) who recently Tko’d Nate Campbell with the help of crisp punching and head butting. He is the man to beat and if Khan were to get a win over Bradley then Khan would consolidate is grip on the division. Bradley however, would pose a risk high enough for the anti-Khan brigade to have a field day.
Timothy is young, fresh, quick and undoubtedly talented all-round boxer. He may not pack an enormous thwack but his punches are explosive and accurate. He also as I a stated above uses his big, shiny head that he uses to absolute perfection in his bouts. He loves to fly in head-first to catch his opponent in the inside and in his last fight, that tactic paid off with a huge cut ripped over Nate’s eye.
As a question mark remains over Khan’s punch resistance, a fight with a boxer prone to using his head could elevate the risk factor a bit too much for Frank Warren. A fight with Bradley at this stage could easily derail Khan’s bandwagon. If the fight were to happen, it would be competitive but I can see Timothy Bradley edging Khan over a close decision.
Another big name has been thrown into mix, a gentleman by the name of Ricky Hatton. It would be a huge super fight not just for British fans but for fans around the world and box-office sales would be sky-high. Ricky Hatton seems to be on a pro-longed holiday ever since he was knocked-out in the 2nd round against Pacquiao and seems to be considering is future.
At this stage, a fight with Hatton would seem attractive as Hatton seems to have been on the decline ever since Mayweather stopped him. Hatton still remains a potent force at 10st and still has the ability. He brings power, aggression and a wealth of big fight experience to the table and could out-muscle Khan over the course of a 12 rounder.
The only way I can see Khan beating Hatton is if he stuck to rigid, safe gameplan to box and move but that would be difficult to maintain for the whole fight against a world-class opponent. This is all assuming though that Hatton is not a changed fighter psychologically because being kayoed twice can morph a fighter’s mental landscape beyond belief. If this fight were to be made, it would be because of perfect timing.
Another viable opponent for Khan is the new WBC champ Devon Alexander (19 wins 12 ko’s). He is an undefeated 22 year old who like Khan packs a bundle of youth and speed, that along with his above-average power. He recently made Witter quit on his stool and like Khan will be looking to cement his place in the division. His confidence will be high and a bout with Khan would be appealing. However, Alexander is still inexperienced and an old Witter his the only prominent name on his record. It would be an exciting yet safe bout for Khan which might prove alluring for Warren.
Furthermore, Marcos Rene Maidana (26 wins 25 ko’s 1 loss) has marched into the picture with his upset stoppage win over Victor Ortiz. I don’t know a lot about this Argentinean but his knockout record speaks for itself. He went to war with the talented Ortiz and managed to out man him. He is obviously a dangerous, rough fighter who could soon earn the “Most Avoided” title because of ambiguity mixed with his reputation. A fight with him at this stage would prove too risky with little reward but Khan does have the ability to outbox him. However, Maidana still has a huge chance when combine his power with Khan’s chin. I sincerely doubt the fight will happen.
Khan has many big fights out there waiting for him but I’m sure the matchmaking will remain safe and cosy but I don’t know, I’m just a boxing fan.
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